In a decisive blow to arms trafficking in Kaduna State, troops of Sector 7, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), have arrested a notorious gunrunner and his accomplice, recovering a significant cache of weapons and ammunition. The breakthrough operation, conducted on Sunday, January 20, underscores the Nigerian military’s relentless pursuit of criminal elements threatening the nation’s peace and security.
Renowned security analyst and counterinsurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, broke the news on his official X handle, lauding the troops for their swift and strategic response based on actionable intelligence.
The operation, executed at Fadiya Village in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, led to the arrest of 62-year-old Timothy Yusuf and his son, Timothy Obadiah. Intelligence sources revealed that the duo had been running a covert gun trafficking network, supplying illegal weapons to criminal groups in the region.
During the raid, the troops uncovered an alarming arsenal, including 11 fabricated rifles, two AK-47 magazines, and 60 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition. These items, believed to have been destined for use in violent activities, highlight the scale of the security threat posed by gunrunning syndicates.
“The suspects and the recovered arms are currently in custody for further investigation,” Makama disclosed, adding that efforts are underway to track and apprehend other members of the syndicate. This coordinated effort aims to dismantle the network entirely, ensuring that such weapons do not end up in the wrong hands.
The arrest of the father-son duo is seen as a significant success in the military’s ongoing campaign to curb the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria. Zangon Kataf, which has witnessed sporadic violence due to communal clashes and criminal activities, has long been a focal point for security operations aimed at restoring peace.
Security analysts commend the troops’ swift action and the intelligence network that made the operation possible. “This is a clear example of what can be achieved when intelligence gathering and tactical precision converge,” Makama stated.
As the military intensifies its crackdown on criminal networks, the public is urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities. The Kaduna operation underscores the importance of community involvement and the critical role of intelligence in combating security threats.
This latest success reinforces the commitment of Operation Safe Haven and the broader Nigerian Armed Forces to protecting lives and property, sending a strong message to criminal elements that there is no safe haven for their nefarious activities.
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