Troops kill arms courier, seize rifles in Kwara

Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised an arms courier and recovered a cache of weapons during a snap check operation in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Army spokesman, Capt. Stephen Nwankwo, in a statement on Friday, said the operation was conducted on Thursday along the Share–Gbugbu Road under Operation Park Strike V, following credible intelligence on the movement of arms from Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State.

He disclosed that troops intercepted a Volkswagen Golf 3 with registration number Bayelsa SAG-133 XA at about 8:30 a.m. The driver attempted to escape but was gunned down.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of five AK-47 rifles and three magazines hidden inside a charcoal bag.

Commander of 22 Armoured Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ezra Barkins, commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism, urging them to sustain the momentum.

He assured residents of Kwara and neighbouring communities of the Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, and called for greater public cooperation through timely intelligence sharing.

“The Nigerian Army will continue to work tirelessly to deny criminal elements freedom of action and rid the country of insecurity,” Barkins said.