Troops working with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Tactical Team have apprehended a suspected major gunrunner accused of providing weapons to terrorists operating along the Kwara–Kogi axis.
The suspect was arrested on March 14, 2026, at Agwatashi in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, where security operatives recovered a large quantity of ammunition and cash.
The Director, Defence Media Operations (DMO), Michael Onoja, said the arrest formed part of wider achievements 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 multiple theatres between March 14 and March 19, 2026.
Onoja also revealed a significant inter-agency success involving the arrest of a female ammunition courier by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kano, where 884 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were seized.
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 disclosed that on March 19, 2026, troops responded to reports of sporadic gunshots around Tungan Aliat Tato village in Kaduna Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Upon arrival, they found that terrorists had invaded the community but abandoned their mission due to the swift response of security forces.
On March 15, troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State arrested another suspect attempting to deliver three motorcycles intended for terrorist activities.
Follow-up intelligence operations led to the arrest of two suspected ISWAP and JAS members who had arrived in Kaiama to collect the motorcycles for delivery to associates in Nuku village.
According to Onoja, preliminary investigations have produced credible and actionable intelligence that will support ongoing efforts to track and apprehend other members of the network.
He added that within the review period, troops neutralised several terrorists and criminal elements, rescued kidnapped victims, and recovered arms, ammunition, and other illicit 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.
