In a coordinated effort to curb the flow of illegal arms, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) made two significant seizures of live ammunition along the Abuja–Kaduna highway last week.
On Saturday, 29th November 2025, NDLEA officers arrested a couple, Abdullahi Abubakar (45) and Jamila Abdullahi (35), after discovering 725 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition concealed inside a sack of maize. The seizure underscores the growing risk posed by the smuggling of military-grade munitions, which, if diverted to insurgents or criminal networks, could exacerbate security challenges in the region.
A day earlier, on Friday, 28th November, NDLEA operatives at the Abuja–Kaduna tollgate intercepted Awwal Sabiu (20) carrying 400 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition. The arrest highlights the vigilance of Nigerian security agencies in monitoring key transport corridors for illegal arms trafficking.
Security analysts note that these interceptions are critical in preventing potentially deadly ammunition from reaching unauthorised users. The items seized, if left unchecked, could have been exploited by insurgents or criminal syndicates, posing severe threats to public safety.
Authorities have called for thorough interrogation of the suspects to uncover broader networks and identify additional members involved in the illegal arms trade. The NDLEA’s continued proactive measures are vital in safeguarding the nation and curbing the proliferation of dangerous weapons.
This development serves as a reminder of the importance of intelligence-driven security operations and the need for sustained vigilance along major highways and trade routes across Nigeria.
