Troops gun down transporter moving weapons to Kwara, recover rifles hidden in charcoal sack

Nigerian Army operatives have intercepted and killed a suspected gunrunner transporting rifles into a Kwara community, recovering several weapons disguised in a bag of charcoal.

The incident occurred on Thursday, September 25, 2025, during a snap checkpoint mounted along the Share–Gbugbu Road in Edu Local Government Area. The operation was conducted by soldiers of the 22 Armoured Brigade under Operation Park Strike V.

According to the military, troops acted on “credible intelligence” to stop a Volkswagen Golf 3. The driver attempted to flee but was neutralised on the spot. A search of the car led to the discovery of five AK-47 rifles and three magazines stashed inside a charcoal sack in an effort to avoid detection.

Military sources disclosed that the suspect had been monitored from Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State—a location notorious for arms trafficking and banditry—before his interception in Kwara at around 8:30 a.m.

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The Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, commended the troops for their swift action, noting that their efforts “averted what could have been another bloodbath in local communities.”

In a formal statement, the Army said: “Troops of 22 Armoured Brigade, operating under Operation Park Strike V deployed at Patrol Base Bukungi have neutralised an arms courier and recovered a cache of weapons during a snap check operation along the Share–Gbugbu Road in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State. The operation, conducted on Thursday, 25 September 2025, followed credible intelligence on the movement of arms.

Acting on credible information, troops intercepted a Volkswagen Golf 3 vehicle with registration number Bayelsa SAG-133 XA. The driver attempted to escape but was swiftly neutralised by the vigilant troops. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 5 AK-47 rifles and 3 magazines concealed in a charcoal sac.

Troops had earlier been alerted to the courier’s movement from Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State, which enabled them to track and intercept him at about 8:30 a.m. in Edu LGA.

Commending the gallant troops, the Commander 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, lauded their resilience and professionalism. He urged them to sustain the momentum and reaffirmed the Brigade’s resolve to deny criminal elements any freedom of action within its area of responsibility.

Brigadier General Barkins further reassured law-abiding residents of Kwara State and adjoining communities that they have nothing to fear, as troops will continue to intensify operations to protect lives and property. He also called on the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that such cooperation is vital in defeating security threats.