The Katsina state-own security outfit, Community Watch Corps, has intercepted a vehicle loaded with 610 rounds of ammunition in Batsari LGA.

It disclosed this in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, on Wednesday in Katsina.

Batsari is among the frontline local government areas bedevilled by insecurity in Katsina.

“A significant security operation was carried out by our men on September 10, 2024, at approximately 7:30 p.m., in Batsari town. Acting on credible intelligence, members of the community watch corps have intercepted a commercial vehicle with registration number BTR 45 XA, carrying 17 passengers — 13 females and four males, including the driver.

“During a routine stop-and-search at a checkpoint, the corps discovered a cache of ammunition hidden under the seat, which was later found to contain 610 rounds of ammunitions of both AK-47 and General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), and two magazines,” he said.

The commissioner said the suspect, wearing white voile clothes, exhibited suspicious behaviour throughout the journey.

“He initially insisted on sitting at the rear of the vehicle and appeared visibly uncomfortable and anxious when the vehicle was stopped for inspection.

“The suspect managed to evade capture, leaving behind the concealed ammunition,” he said.

The commissioner said Governor Dikko Radda was committed to maintaining peace and security across Katsina.

He assured that the government would continue to support and enhance the capabilities of its security apparatus to combat all forms of criminality in Katsina. 

(NAN)