Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested six suspected terrorists' logistics suppliers travelling from Jos to Minna, recovering seven firearms during a stop-and-search operation in Kaduna State.
ZANGON KATAF, KADUNA STATE — Troops of Sector 7, Operation Enduring Peace, have arrested six suspected terrorists' logistics suppliers and recovered seven firearms during a stop-and-search operation along the Jos–Minna highway, in what the military described as another breakthrough in its ongoing campaign against terrorism and organised criminal networks operating across Nigeria's North Central region.
The suspects were intercepted at approximately 9:40 a.m. on Monday at the Samaru checkpoint in Zonkwa District of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, Kaduna State, while travelling in an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz bus with registration number EDO GUE-722-LV.
Military authorities said the vehicle was travelling from Jos, Plateau State, to Minna, Niger State, when troops conducting routine security checks flagged it for inspection.
According to the military, a thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of seven firearms, comprising three AK-47 rifles and four sub-machine guns.
The Mercedes-Benz conveying the suspects was also seized as part of the ongoing investigation.
Operation Enduring Peace said preliminary findings indicate the suspects were transporting the weapons as part of logistics support for criminal elements operating within the region.
The military has not yet disclosed where the firearms originated or their intended destination beyond confirming that investigations are continuing.
In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the military said one of the suspects attempted to flee shortly after the vehicle was stopped.
According to the statement, troops immediately subdued the suspect before he could escape.
The suspect reportedly sustained injuries during the incident but is said to be in stable condition and is cooperating with investigators.
The identities of the arrested suspects have not been released.
Military Intensifies Counter-Terrorism Operations
Operation Enduring Peace said the arrest formed part of ongoing offensive operations designed to dismantle criminal supply networks and deny terrorists freedom of movement across the Joint Operations Area.
Security experts have repeatedly noted that disrupting logistics chains is critical to weakening armed groups, as weapons suppliers and transport networks often play a significant role in sustaining terrorist and bandit operations.
The latest operation also underscores the increasing use of intelligence-driven stop-and-search operations along strategic highways linking states in the North Central and North-West regions.
The Jos–Minna corridor serves as an important transport route connecting Plateau, Kaduna and Niger states.
In recent years, security agencies have increased surveillance along major highways amid concerns that criminal groups exploit interstate routes to move weapons, kidnapped victims and other illegal items.
Authorities believe intercepting logistics networks before weapons reach criminal camps can significantly reduce the operational capacity of armed groups responsible for attacks on communities.
The military confirmed that all six suspects remain in custody while investigators conduct detailed interrogations and intelligence analysis.
Authorities say information obtained during the investigation may assist ongoing operations targeting terrorist cells, arms traffickers and other criminal networks operating within the wider North Central region.
No further details have been released regarding possible additional arrests or follow-up operations.
The military reiterated its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes while encouraging members of the public to continue providing credible information that could support security efforts.
Prime Brief Media understands that security operations under Operation Enduring Peace remain active across parts of Plateau and neighbouring states as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks threatening lives and property across the Middle Belt.
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