Nigerian Army troops have arrested a suspected ammunition courier, Yahaya Umar, along the Obajana–Lokoja Road in Kogi State after discovering 500 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition hidden inside a bag of maize. The arrest, carried out by soldiers from the 12 Brigade, followed intelligence reports pointing to an active arms trafficking network in the North-Central region. The suspect was apprehended while attempting to transport the weapons from Obajana Forest to Dikko Junction in Suleja, Niger State, where he was believed to be delivering the ammunition to another suspected terrorist operative.
Military sources confirmed that Umar was caught in the act during a routine security check, with the ammunition concealed within agricultural produce to evade detection. The use of maize as a cover highlights the increasing sophistication of smuggling tactics employed by criminal networks in the region. Investigators believe Umar was a key logistics player in the movement of weapons and explosives for terrorist groups operating across Kogi, Niger, and surrounding states.
The Nigerian Army stated that the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing intensive interrogation. Security agencies are working to trace the full extent of the network, including identifying other members involved in the illegal arms trade. A military source emphasized that operations are being intensified to dismantle the syndicate and prevent further destabilization in the region.
This arrest comes amid heightened security measures in the North-Central zone, where insurgent activities and arms trafficking have posed ongoing threats to national security. The discovery of military-grade ammunition underscores the potential for violence and the need for continued vigilance. Authorities are urging the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activities to the nearest security outpost.
The Nigerian Army’s proactive response reflects its commitment to securing critical transportation routes and disrupting terrorist supply chains. As investigations continue, security forces are expected to expand surveillance in forested and rural areas known to be used for illicit movements. This incident serves as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by armed criminal networks and the importance of intelligence-driven operations in countering them.
The arrest of Yahaya Umar is a significant step in the ongoing efforts to curb arms trafficking in Nigeria’s volatile North-Central region. With security agencies now focused on dismantling the broader network, the case could lead to further arrests and the disruption of a major supply route for terrorist groups.
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