Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected ammunition courier along the Obajana–Lokoja Road in Kogi State after reportedly finding bullets hidden inside a bag of maize.
The suspect, identified as Yahaya Umar, was arrested by troops of 12 Brigade following intelligence reports about an arms trafficking network operating in the North-Central region.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that 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 played a major role in moving weapons and ammunition for terrorist groups operating in different parts of the region.
According to preliminary findings, the ammunition was allegedly handed to him in Obajana Forest before he attempted to transport it to Dikko Junction in Suleja, Niger State, where it was meant to be delivered to another suspected terrorist operative.
The Nigerian Army said the suspect remains in custody and is being questioned as security agencies work to uncover the wider criminal network.
A military source added that security forces are “intensifying efforts to dismantle the criminal network and track down other members of the syndicate”.
