Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected ammunition courier in Kogi State after he was allegedly caught transporting 500 rounds of bullets hidden inside a bag of maize.
The suspect, identified as Yahaya Umar, was arrested along the Obajana–Lokoja Road by soldiers of the 12 Brigade following what the Army described as credible intelligence on an arms trafficking network operating across the North-Central region.
The interception is the latest in a series of security operations aimed at curbing the movement of illegal arms and ammunition, which security agencies say have continued to fuel criminal activities, including banditry and terrorism in parts of the country.
According to military sources, the suspect was stopped during a routine operation when troops acted on intelligence reports about suspicious movement of weapons along the busy highway.
During a search, soldiers reportedly discovered 500 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition carefully concealed inside a bag of maize in an attempt to avoid detection at security checkpoints.
The Army said the method of concealment was designed to deceive security operatives and allow the ammunition to pass through roadblocks unnoticed.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the suspect was part of a wider criminal network involved in the illegal movement of weapons to armed groups operating in different parts of the region.
Security sources said Yahaya Umar was allegedly handed the ammunition in Obajana Forest before attempting to transport it to Dikko Junction in Suleja, Niger State.
Investigators believe the final destination was meant to be another suspected member of a terrorist or criminal group responsible for receiving and distributing the ammunition.
The Nigerian Army said the arrest was made possible through intelligence-led operations and cooperation between different security units working in the area.
The suspect is currently in military custody and undergoing interrogation to assist investigators in uncovering the full network behind the arms movement.
Army authorities said efforts were ongoing to identify other members of the syndicate and disrupt their supply chain.
The 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, which carried out the operation, has been active in recent months in conducting patrols and ambush operations along key routes in Kogi State and neighbouring areas.
Kogi State is strategically located in North-Central Nigeria and serves as a major link between the northern and southern parts of the country, making it a frequent route for both legal and illegal movement of goods and persons.
Because of its location, security agencies have repeatedly warned that criminal groups often attempt to use highways in the state to transport weapons, drugs and other illegal items.
The arrest comes amid ongoing efforts by the military and other security agencies to tackle the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria.
The 7.62mm ammunition recovered from the suspect is commonly used in assault rifles, which are frequently linked to armed groups operating in rural and forested areas.
Over the years, the Nigerian government has intensified border control measures and internal security operations to reduce the flow of illegal arms into the country.
The Army has repeatedly urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, especially around highways, forests and border communities.
Military authorities also say community support and intelligence sharing remain critical in winning the fight against armed groups and criminal networks.
In recent months, troops across different states have recorded several interceptions of weapons, ammunition and other contraband items, often based on intelligence provided by local informants.
Security officials believe that disrupting supply routes is key to weakening the operational strength of armed groups responsible for insecurity in parts of the country.
The Nigerian Army has assured that it will continue to intensify operations aimed at blocking illegal arms trafficking routes and bringing perpetrators to justice.
Residents along the Obajana–Lokoja axis have in the past expressed concern over security challenges on the highway, which is one of the busiest transport routes in the region.
Truck drivers and commuters have also called for increased patrols and checkpoints to reduce criminal activities along the road.
As investigations continue, the Army said it is working to trace the source of the ammunition and identify those behind the network allegedly supplying weapons to criminal groups.