File photo
According to The Nation, troops of the Nigerian Army on Operation Thunder Strike, have arrested a suspected gun runner, who allegedly supplies weapons to bandits terrorizing Kaduna-Abuja highway and other parts of Kaduna State.
The Army said, the suspected gun runner identified as Alhaji Shehu was nabbed at his Sabongaya residence, in Chikun Local Government area of Kaduna State with six AK 47 rifles.
Another suspect, Kamilu Lawal who was allegedly negotiating with a vigilante operative to loan him a rifle for a kidnapping operation has equally been arrested by the troops.
Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 1 Division Nigerian Army, Colonel Ezindu Idimah disclosed these in a statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna, saying, that, the two suspects will be handed over to the Police for further investigation and prosecution.
According to Colonel Idimah, “In continuation of efforts to clear Kaduna – Abuja highway of undesirable elements, troops of Operation THUNDER STRIKE on Saturday, 19 October 2019 nabbed a notorious gun runner that supplies dangerous weapons to bandits .
“Acting of on reliable information, troops trailed the suspect, one Alhaji Shehu to his residence at Sabogaya, Chikun Local Government area of Kaduna State where a search was conducted and 6 AK 47 rifles were recovered.
“Following the discovery, Shehu alleged that only one of the weapons belonged to him while the rest were kept by his son, brothers and in-laws. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the other suspects.
“In another development, troops also arrested one Kamilu Lawal who was negotiating with a vigilante operative to loan him his rifle for a kidnapping operation. He promised to reward the operative with the sum of N150,000.00.
“The 2 suspects will be handed over to the Police after preliminary interrogation for further investigation and prosecution.
“Troops will continue to remain absolute in combating all forms criminality along the Abuja-Kaduna highway," he said.