Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected ammunition courier along the Obajana-Lokoja Road in Kogi State after allegedly discovering hundreds of rounds of ammunition concealed inside a bag of maize.
The suspect, identified as Yahaya Umar, was apprehended by soldiers attached to the 12 Brigade following intelligence reports on the activities of an arms trafficking syndicate operating within the North-Central region.
Security sources disclosed that the suspect was intercepted while allegedly transporting about 500 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition hidden in a sack filled with maize in a bid to evade security checks.
Investigations by the military reportedly linked the suspect to the movement of arms and ammunition for terrorist groups operating across parts of the region.
Preliminary findings indicated that the ammunition was allegedly handed over to Umar within the Obajana Forest before he attempted to move the consignment to Dikko Junction in Niger State, where it was expected to be delivered to another suspected operative.
The Nigerian Army confirmed that the suspect remains in custody and is currently undergoing interrogation as security agencies intensify efforts to uncover other members of the alleged criminal network.
A military source said troops were expanding operations aimed at dismantling the syndicate and tracking down other collaborators linked to the illegal arms supply chain.
