Troops, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Tactical Team, have arrested a suspected key gunrunner accused of supplying arms to terrorists operating along the Kwara–Kogi axis.

The suspect was apprehended on March 14, 2026, at Agwatashi in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, with a significant cache of ammunition and cash.

The Director, Defence Media Operations (DMO), Michael Onoja, said the arrest was part of broader successes recorded by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in ongoing counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, anti-kidnapping, anti-crude oil theft, and anti-criminality operations across various theatres between March 14 and March 19, 2026.

Onoja also disclosed a major inter-agency breakthrough involving the interception of a female ammunition courier by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kano, where 884 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered.

He added that several armed suspects and terrorist collaborators were arrested in Sokoto, Kaduna, and Kebbi states.

“Troops also apprehended suspected informants linked to the Lakurawa terrorist group in Kebbi State, further weakening criminal support networks,” he said.

He further revealed that on March 19, 2026, troops responded to reports of sporadic gunfire around Tungan Aliat Tato village in Kaduna Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Upon arrival, they discovered that terrorists had stormed the community but aborted their mission due to the swift response of security forces.

On March 15, troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State arrested another suspect attempting to supply three motorcycles intended for terrorist operations.

Subsequent intelligence operations led to the arrest of two suspected ISWAP and JAS members who had arrived in Kaiama to receive the motorcycles for delivery to collaborators in Nuku village.

According to Onoja, preliminary investigations have yielded credible and actionable intelligence that will aid ongoing efforts to track and apprehend other members of the network.

He added that within the period under review, troops neutralised several terrorists and criminal elements, rescued kidnapped victims, and recovered arms, ammunition, and other contraband materials.

“The successes recorded across the various theatres, despite some challenges, underscore the courage, professionalism, and resilience of our troops, who remain resolute in the defence of the nation,” Onoja said.

He assured Nigerians that military operations would be intensified to dismantle remaining terrorist and criminal networks threatening national peace and development.

(The Guardian)

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