Troops of the 1 Brigade, Operation FANSAN YANMA, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have successfully intercepted a significant shipment of weapons intended for terrorist groups operating in Zamfara State. This operation, carried out between January 26 and 27, was based on credible intelligence about suspected arms dealers operating from Niger Republic.
According to reports, the troops launched a covert operation to track down the suspected arms traffickers. They intercepted the suspects along the Kaura Namoda-Zurmi Road, a known route for arms movement. Upon realizing they were being pursued, the suspects diverted their vehicle into a nearby bush in an attempt to evade capture.
However, after a brief engagement with the troops, the suspects abandoned their vehicle and fled the scene. Despite the suspects escaping, the security forces were able to recover the vehicle, which contained an assortment of weapons and ammunition.
The recovered weapons included two PKT machine guns, nine AK-47 rifles, 13 magazines, 171 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and nine rounds of PKT ammunition.
While the suspects remain at large, the military and DSS are intensifying efforts to apprehend them and prevent further arms trafficking operations. Counter-terrorism expert Zagazola Makama disclosed the details of the incident on his verified X account on Tuesday.
The interception of this arms shipment is a significant blow to terrorist groups operating in the region and demonstrates the ongoing efforts by Nigerian security agencies to disrupt illegal arms trade and enhance security in the northwestern part of the country.
