Troops Apprehend Key Gunrunner Supplying Terrorists Along Kwara-Kogi Axis
In a significant counter-terrorism operation, troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), working alongside the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Tactical Team, have arrested a suspected key gunrunner accused of supplying arms to terrorists operating along the Kwara-Kogi axis. The arrest, which took place on March 14, 2026, at Agwatashi in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, resulted in the seizure of a substantial cache of ammunition and a significant amount of cash.
Broader Military Successes Across Multiple Theatres
According to the Director of Defence Media Operations (DMO), Michael Onoja, this arrest is part of a series of successes recorded by the AFN between March 14 and March 19, 2026. These operations span counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, anti-kidnapping, anti-crude oil theft, and anti-criminality efforts across various regions of the country.
Onoja highlighted a major inter-agency breakthrough involving the Department of State Services (DSS), which intercepted a female ammunition courier in Kano. This operation led to the recovery of 884 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. Additionally, several armed suspects and terrorist collaborators were arrested in Sokoto, Kaduna, and Kebbi states.
Targeting Terrorist Support Networks
In Kebbi State, troops apprehended suspected informants linked to the Lakurawa terrorist group, further weakening criminal support networks. On March 19, 2026, troops responded to reports of sporadic gunfire around Tungan Aliat Tato village in Kaduna Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Upon arrival, they discovered that terrorists had stormed the community but aborted their mission due to the swift response of security forces.
Further operations in Kwara State saw troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base in Kaiama Local Government Area arrest another suspect on March 15. This individual was attempting to supply three motorcycles intended for terrorist operations. Subsequent intelligence-led operations resulted in the arrest of two suspected members of ISWAP and JAS who had arrived in Kaiama to receive the motorcycles for delivery to collaborators in Nuku village.
Intelligence Gains and Ongoing Efforts
Preliminary investigations from these arrests have yielded credible and actionable intelligence, which will aid ongoing efforts to track and apprehend other members of the terrorist network. Onoja emphasized that within the review period, troops neutralized several terrorists and criminal elements, rescued kidnapped victims, and recovered arms, ammunition, and other contraband materials.
He stated, "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 assured Nigerians that military operations will be intensified to dismantle remaining terrorist and criminal networks threatening national peace and development.
