Troops Arrest Wanted Gunrunners, Recover Arms in Plateau State

By Asile Abel, Jos

Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN, under the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, have arrested five notorious gunrunners and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition in an intelligence-driven operation in Plateau State. The raid was part of ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal weapons in the Joint Operations Area.

Displaying the suspects in Jos at the Headquarters of Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major Stephen Nantip Zhakom, Military Public Information Officer for Operation SAFE HAVEN, while addressing the press, confirmed the arrests and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to ensuring peace and security in the region by eliminating illegal arms trafficking.

The operation, which took place from midnight on September 16 to the early hours of September 17, 2024, targeted a gunrunning syndicate in the Naraguta Mining Area, Bayameni, along Bauchi Road in Jos North Local Government Area. The troops successfully arrested a key suspect, Mohammed Sani, along with four accomplices.

Operation SAFE HAVEN will continue its operations to rid the region of illegal arms, ensuring sustained peace and security in Plateau State

The following weapons and ammunition were seized:

– Two AK-47 rifles

– One Fabrique Nationale automatic rifle

– Fourteen AK-47 magazines

– One Fabrique Nationale magazine

– 5,316 rounds of 7.62 MM (Special)

– Ninety-eight rounds of 7.62 MM (NATO)

– Forty-three rounds of 9 MM

The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation, and authorities are hopeful that further intelligence gathered from the suspects will lead to the dismantling of the gunrunning syndicate’s supply chain and the arrest of additional members involved in the illegal arms trade. Major Zhakom emphasized that Operation SAFE HAVEN will continue its operations to rid the region of illegal arms, ensuring sustained peace and security in Plateau State.