Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed a suspected arms courier who was ferrying assault rifles into a Kwara State community and recovered a large cache of weapons hidden inside a sack of charcoal.
According to a military statement obtained by SaharaReporters, the operation was carried out by troops of 22 Armoured Brigade under Operation Park Strike V during a snap checkpoint along the Share–Gbugbu Road in Edu Local Government Area on Thursday, September 25, 2025.
Acting on what was described as “credible intelligence,” soldiers intercepted a Volkswagen Golf 3 with registration number Bayelsa SAG-133 XA. The driver, who attempted to escape, was immediately neutralised by troops.
A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered five AK-47 rifles and three magazines stuffed inside a charcoal sack to evade detection.
Military sources revealed that the suspected courier had been tracked from Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State, a notorious hub for banditry and arms trafficking, before being intercepted in Kwara at about 8:30 a.m.
The Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, praised the troops for their “resilience and professionalism,” stressing that the interception averted what could have been another bloodbath in local communities.
The statement reads: “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.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its constitutional mandate to defend the territorial integrity of the nation and will continue to work tirelessly to rid the country of all forms of criminal activity.”