Troops Nab Notorious Gunrunners, Seize Over 1,200 Rounds Of Ammunition In Kaduna — Army Vows To Crush Criminal Networks

In a major security breakthrough, Nigerian troops have arrested two notorious gunrunners and intercepted a massive cache of ammunition bound for armed groups terrorising parts of the North West.

The operation, carried out by troops of the Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) in collaboration with Sector 1 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), took place on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, following a tip-off from an intelligence agency in Plateau State.

According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, the suspects — identified as Mr. Abdullahi Balarabe (40) and his 18-year-old wife, Shafaatu Abdullahi — were intercepted at a snap checkpoint on the outskirts of Saminaka, in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

During the operation, the troops recovered a staggering 1,207 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, suspected to be destined for criminal syndicates and terror cells operating across the North West region.

> “The arrest followed credible intelligence tracking the movement of illicit arms from Plateau State. The ammunition was believed to be intended for supply to armed groups destabilising the region,” Major Zhakom said.

The statement added that both suspects are currently in military custody for intensive interrogation and further investigation to uncover the larger gunrunning network and its sponsors.

Speaking on the successful operation, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander JTF OPEP, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, praised the troops for their vigilance, courage, and swift response.

> “This operation underscores the value of intelligence-driven missions and inter-agency collaboration in curbing insecurity. Our troops will continue to hunt down criminal elements and dismantle their supply chains,” Oyinlola declared.

He further reassured residents of Kaduna and Plateau States of the military’s unwavering commitment to restoring lasting peace and security in the region, adding that the fight against terrorism, banditry, and arms trafficking would continue until all criminal networks are neutralised.

> “We will not relent in our mission to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity return to every community affected by insecurity,” he said firmly.

Security analysts have since lauded the operation as a significant blow to the underground arms trade fueling violence in the North West, describing it as a demonstration of the military’s renewed determination to restore peace to the troubled region.