In a successful joint operation, troops from the 1 Brigade under Operation FANSAN YANMA, alongside operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), have intercepted a significant cache of weapons in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The operation, which spanned from January 26 to January 27, was initiated following actionable intelligence about arms dealers from Niger Republic, according to military sources.
According to Zagazola, a Sub-Saharan insecurity watchdog, the troops set up a covert operation to monitor the movements of the suspected dealers, culminating in a high-speed chase along the Kaura Namoda-Zurmi road.
The suspects, driving a vehicle loaded with weapons, attempted to evade capture by veering off into the bush. However, they were forced to abandon their vehicle after troops engaged them.
Upon searching the abandoned vehicle, Two PKT machine guns, Nine AK-47 rifles, Thirteen magazines, One hundred seventy-one rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and Nine rounds of PKT ammunition were recovered.
Despite the successful seizure of the arms, the suspects managed to escape. Military sources have confirmed that security forces are now intensifying their efforts to locate and apprehend those responsible.
This seizure underscores the ongoing challenges of arms smuggling in the region and highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations in curbing such activities. The operation not only prevents potential terrorist activities but also signifies a strong message against arms trafficking across borders.