Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested two suspected gunrunners who have been supplying firearms to bandits operating in Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina and Niger state, a senior police officer told Peoples Gazette on Saturday.

The officer who prefers anonymity disclosed that another suspect, Justine Oruadem, was killed during the operation that was carried out between March 24 and 26.

The operation was executed by a combined team of the Federal Intelligence Bureau (FIB), Special Tactical Squad (STS), Tactical Intelligence Unit (TIU) and operatives of Operation Yaki attached to Kaduna command, The Gazette learnt.

“The security operatives trailed and intercepted the suspects on Highlander with registration number LGT 582 JL at Saminaka Forest area of  Kaduna state.

“The suspects, noticing police presence, opened fire on them. After a gun battle that ensued, the suspects escaped into the forest.

“A cordon and search operation was immediately embarked upon that led to the arrest of two suspects identified as James Dungs and Oga Joseph both from Plateau State.” the source said.

He further disclosed that the apprehended suspects sustained severe  bullet injuries.

However, the source said arms and ammunition were recovered from the operation.

The recovered weapons are;  eight SMG rifles, AK 47 calibre without breech NOS, one beretta pistol without breech number.

Others include 11 AK 47 magazines, 50 rounds of 7.62mm and 39mm live ammunition.

The police officer said the suspects had confessed to the crime and claimed that they are taking the weapons to bandits in Niger, Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara before they were intercepted by the police.

The Kaduna police command spokesperson Mohammed Jalige confirmed the incident in a statement issued Sunday.

Mr Jalige in his statement said the operation was carried out on the 26th of March.

“Meanwhile, investigation into the matter has been launched and the remaining suspect confessed to be transporting the arms and ammunitions to Bandits In Niger, Kaduna, Zamfara  and Katsina States,” he said.