Troops Arrest Arms Fabricator, Three Gunrunners In Plateau

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested an alleged illegal arms fabricator and three suspected gunrunners in Plateau State, recovering firearms, an AK-47 barrel and 42 rounds of ammunition during coordinated operations.

The arrests were made in Mangu and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas between October 7 and 11, following intelligence received by the operation’s headquarters on October 4, according to security sources cited by Zagazola Makama.

The alleged arms fabricator was identified as Ayuba Sunday Abot, who was reportedly operating in Heipang, Barkin Ladi LGA.

The three other suspects, identified as Tangkat Danjuma, Kopdi Appollos and Nyam Nzang, were arrested over their alleged involvement in illegal arms trafficking in the two local government areas.

Items recovered during the operations included a fabricated revolver rifle, a fabricated pistol, an AK-47 barrel and an AK-47 magazine.

The troops also recovered 42 rounds of 7.62mm × 54mm rimmed ball ammunition and materials described in the operational report as metaphysical items.

Preliminary interrogation reportedly indicated that the suspects purchased ammunition for N3,000 per round from a security agent.

The suspects and the recovered items have been taken to the headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace for further investigation, the sources said.

The arrests are part of ongoing military efforts to dismantle illegal arms networks and disrupt the supply of weapons and ammunition to criminal groups operating in Plateau State.