Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected ammunition courier along the Obajana–Lokoja Road in Kogi State after allegedly discovering bullets hidden inside a bag of maize.
The suspect, identified as Yahaya Umar, was reportedly arrested by troops of the 12 Brigade following intelligence reports about an arms trafficking network operating within the North-Central region.
According to military sources, the suspect was caught while transporting “500 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition concealed inside a bag of maize in an attempt to avoid security checks.”
Investigators believe Umar was involved in transporting weapons and ammunition for terrorist groups operating across different parts of the region.
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the ammunition was handed over to him inside the Obajana Forest before he attempted to move it to Dikko Junction in Suleja, Niger State, where it was allegedly meant to be delivered to another suspected terrorist operative.
The Nigerian Army confirmed that the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation as security agencies continue investigations into the wider criminal network.
A military source also disclosed that security operatives are “intensifying efforts to dismantle the criminal network and track down other members of the syndicate.”
