Zamfara State witnessed a major breakthrough in the fight against banditry as operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted three suspects attempting to smuggle live ammunition to criminal groups in the state.
How the Arrest Happened
The suspects were caught during a routine stop-and-search operation conducted by NDLEA officers in Tsafe Local Government Area on Tuesday.
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
Adamu Tijani (35) – Driver
Yunusa Yakubu (17) – Accomplice
Tijani Ismail (40) – Accomplice
Authorities discovered 80 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition hidden inside a ‘bagco’ sac behind the driver’s seat.
A Shocking Confession
According to NDLEA officials, Adamu Tijani, the driver, claimed that a Nigerian soldier at Ilelah border, Sokoto State, handed him the bag while he was returning from Niger Republic.
The soldier allegedly told Tijani that the bag contained broken tiles and instructed him to deliver it to Ankpa, Kogi State, where it would be received by either “Chazzy Baba” or “Baba Kata”.
The two other suspects were identified as motor boys assisting Tijani in his transportation business.
Next Steps: DSS Takes Over Investigation
NDLEA officials confirmed that the suspects will be handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation.
This arrest highlights the deep connections between arms trafficking and insecurity in northern Nigeria, as well as the alarming involvement of rogue security personnel.
Security Implications
The interception disrupts an active ammunition supply chain to bandits.
It exposes the role of insiders, including security personnel, in fueling insecurity.
The ongoing investigation could lead to more high-profile arrests in the coming weeks.
Authorities are now working to identify the soldier involved and track down the intended recipients of the ammunition.