Army intercept notorious gun runner in Kaduna

Eric Patrick

Troops of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with other security agencies have arrested a notorious gun runner, Mallam Hashimu Ahmad at Saminaka in Lere Local Government Area.

Ahmad was arrested alongside a truck driver while conveying illegally refined Automated Gas Oil (AGO). The troops also successfully rescued kidnapped victims while in transit.

This was made known in a statement shared on the Army's Facebook page on Saturday.

According to the statement,  the suspect has been on the wanted list of the security agencies for supplying arms and ammunition to terrorists.

The weapons seen in Ahmad's possession include one General Purpose Machine Gun, a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Launcher,  one RPG Bomb, 1,069 rounds of 7. 62mm (special) ammunition and one belt of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition.

The Nigerian Army stated that, the cache of arms and ammunition as well as the vehicle used in conveying the weapons have been recovered.

Similarly, in Delta State, troops acting on credible intelligence intercepted a tanker truck laden with 15, 000 liters of substance suspected to be illegally refined  AGO at Ozoro, in Isoko North Local Government Area.

The troops have also taken the two suspects conveying the illegal product into custody for preliminary investigation, preparatory to handing over to appropriate prosecuting agency.

In Sokoto state, troops on patrol in the general area of Matalawa village of Isa Local Government Area rescued kidnapped  hostages who were  abducted and taken into the forest while on transit. Responding to a distress call, the troops moved swiftly to the location, where they engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel, leading to the extrication of the hostages.

The rescued hostages have been reunited with their families.

The Nigerian Army has said that the Force remains committed to protecting the nation and dismantling all  criminal networks, inducing insecurity in the country.

The military has however, urged the public to support the troops by providing actionable information to enhance smooth operations against terrorists and other criminal elements in order to ensure a safe and secure society.