Army intercepts petrol tanker loaded with arms in Kebbi

The Army has announced the interception of a petrol tanker loaded with
arms and ammunitions in Kebbi.
The Commanding Officer, 1 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Sunday
Ilori, told newsmen, yesterday, in Birnin Kebbi that the vehicle,
bearing the logo of Mobil Oil, was intercepted on July 11, in a joint
operation with men of the State Security Service.
He listed the items recovered in the fuel compartment of the oil
tanker as three AK 47 Riffles, one RPG-2, nine AK 47 magazines, two
bombs, three RPG chargers and 790 rounds of 7.62mm of special
ammunitions
"The arrest and confiscation of arms was sequel to the on-going
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," Mr. Ilori said.
He 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
theArmy and other security agencies in the current war against
insurgents inthe country.
The suspect claimed that he was paid N500, 000 to deliver the items to
Sokoto and that the owners had threatened to eliminate his family.