Troops on duty
Troops operating under Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested four individuals suspected of illegal arms fabrication and gunrunning in Plateau State, recovering a cache of locally made firearms, ammunition, and other incriminating items.
According to an operational report, the coordinated covert operations were carried out between October 7 and October 11 across the Mangu and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas.
The military action followed actionable intelligence received on October 4 regarding the illicit activities of weapon manufacturers and distributors operating within the two councils.
The suspects have been identified as Ayuba Sunday Abot, an alleged arms fabricator based in Heipang, Barkin Ladi, alongside three suspected gunrunners: Tangkat Danjuma, Kopdi Appollos, and Nyam Nzang.
During the raids, troops recovered a fabricated revolver rifle, a fabricated pistol, a fabricated AK-47 barrel, and an AK-47 magazine. Additionally, operatives seized 42 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and various materials described in the report as metaphysical items.
Preliminary interrogation of the suspects revealed a troubling lead: the detained individuals allegedly purchased the 7.62mm ammunition at the rate of N3,000 per round from an unidentified soldier whose identity is currently under investigation.
The military authorities have transferred the suspects and all recovered exhibits to the OPEP headquarters for thorough debriefing, ongoing investigation, and follow-up operations to track down any accomplices.
The arrests form a critical part of the army’s ongoing campaign to dismantle illegal arms supply chains, curb the proliferation of illicit weapons, and restore lasting security across Plateau State.
