Troops arrest notorious gunrunners, recover arms ammunition in Plateau, Kaduna

Troops from the 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have successfully arrested notorious gunrunners, bandits, and arms couriers, and recovered arms and ammunition in a series of intelligence-driven operations across Plateau and Kaduna States over the past week.

On 21 June 2024, troops launched an operation to clear armed militias and criminals from a suspected bandit hideout in Pandam Forest, Qua’anpan Local Government Area of Plateau State. During this operation, they recovered three AK-47 rifles, five AK-47 magazines, and 75 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.

In a separate joint operation with a sister security agency on the same day, troops tracked and arrested a notorious gunrunner on the Riyom-Abuja Road in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. The suspect was intercepted while attempting to supply 35 AK-47 magazines to another gunrunner, who had been arrested the previous day in Kano State.

Information obtained from the arrested suspect led to the immediate capture of a major arms supplier in Manchok, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State. This supplier was in the process of receiving the 35 AK-47 magazines for delivery to bandits in Zamfara State.

 A subsequent search of the supplier’s home resulted in the recovery of the 35 AK-47 magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition, three Bajaj motorcycles, three mobile phones, and items suspected to be local charms.

The general public is commended for providing credible information that led to these significant recoveries. The populace is encouraged to continue cooperating with security agencies to ensure a crime-free environment.