Troops Intercept Arms Courier, Recover Cache of Weapons in Kwara

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 22 Armoured Brigade, under Operation Park Strike V, have intercepted and neutralised an arms courier during a snap checkpoint operation along the Share–Gbugbu Road in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The successful operation, which took place on Thursday, September 25, 2025, was based on actionable intelligence regarding the movement of illegal weapons, according to a statement released Friday by Captain Stephen Nwankwo, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the Brigade.

The troops flagged down a Volkswagen Golf 3 vehicle with Bayelsa registration number SAG-133 XA.

The driver attempted to flee but was neutralised on the spot by alert personnel.

READ ALSO: Troops Neutralise Insurgents, Recover Arms In Kainji Lake National Park

A search of the vehicle uncovered five AK-47 rifles and three loaded magazines, cleverly hidden inside a bag of charcoal.

Captain Nwankwo confirmed that prior intelligence had traced the suspect’s route from Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State, enabling troops to prepare and execute the interception at approximately 8:30 a.m. in Edu.

Reacting to the operation, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, commended the troops for their swift response and operational discipline.

“Your professionalism and vigilance have once again demonstrated the Army’s commitment to national security. Keep up the pressure,” Brig. Gen. Barkins said.

He further emphasised the Brigade’s unwavering resolve to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks across its operational zone, vowing that no safe haven would be allowed for arms traffickers and other destabilizing elements.