Soldiers in Kebbi State have impounded a petrol tanker loaded with arms and ammunitions.
The arrest was effected on Thursday during a joint patrol by the army and the State Security Service (SSS),the Commanding Officer, 1 Battalion Lt. Col. Sunday Ilori, said yesterday in Birnin-Kebbi.
Found in the fuel compartment of the oil tanker were three AK 47 Rifles, one RPG-2, nine AK 47 magazines, two bombs, three RPG chargers and 790 rounds of 7.62mm of special ammunitions
“The arrest and confiscation of arms was sequel to the on-going operations of the 1 Battalion of the Nigerian Army with headquarters in Sokoto, against insurgency and insurgent activities within its area of responsibilities.
“The efforts resulted in the arrest of one suspect, arms and ammunition and a petrol tanker on July 11, 2013 after a combined operation between the 1 Battalion of the Nigerian Army and the State Security Services.”
Two suspects escaped when the vehicle was intercepted
He said investigation is on to “unravel the source and ownership of the arms and ammunition.”
The suspect claimed that he was paid N500, 000 to deliver the items to Sokoto and that the owners had threatened to eliminate his family.
