Petrol tanker loaded with arms intercepted in Kebbi

The Nigerian Army yesterday announced the interception of a petrol tanker loaded with arms and ammunition in Kebbi State.

Speaking with newsmen after the operation, Commanding Officer, 1 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Sunday Ilori, said that the vehicle, bearing the logo of Mobil Oil, was impounded on July 11, in a joint operation with men of the State Security Service.

He said items recovered from the fuel compartment of the oil tanker were three AK 47 Riffles, one RPG-2, nine AK 47 magazines, two bombs, three RPG chargers and 790 rounds of 7.62mm of special ammunition.

He was quoted as saying, “The arrest and confiscation of arms was sequel to the ongoing 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.”

Ilori reportedly added that two other suspects had escaped when the vehicle was intercepted, assuring that investigation was on to “unravel the source and ownership of the arms and ammunition.”

The commanding officer appealed to the public to continue supporting the Army and other security agencies in the current war against insurgents in the country.

The suspect claimed that he was paid N500, 000 to deliver the items to Sokoto and the lives of his family is in danger if he did not deliver