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Army troops Arrests Arms Fabricator, Three Suspected Gunrunners, Recovers Weapons in Plateau

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested an alleged illegal arms fabricator and three suspected high-profile gunrunners during coordinated covert operations in Mangu and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State. Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation followed intelligence received by the Headquarters of OPEP on Oct. 4, indicating the activities of suspected illegal arms fabricators and gunrunners operating in the two local government areas.

Consequently, troops conducted coordinated covert operations between Oct. 7 and Oct. 11, targeting the suspected criminal networks and their operational locations. During the operations, the troops arrested an alleged arms fabricator identified as Ayuba Sunday Abot, who was reportedly operating at Heipang in Barkin Ladi LGA.

Three other suspects identified as Tangkat Danjuma, Kopdi Appollos and Nyam Nzang were also arrested over their alleged involvement in illegal arms trafficking in Mangu and Barkin Ladi LGAs. The operation led to the recovery of several weapons, ammunition and other items suspected to be connected with the alleged arms-trafficking activities. Items recovered included one fabricated revolver rifle, one fabricated pistol, one fabricated AK-47 barrel and one AK-47 magazine.

The troops also recovered 42 rounds of 7.62mm × 54mm rimmed ball ammunition and some materials described in the operational report as metaphysical items. Preliminary interrogation of the suspects reportedly indicated that they purchased ammunition at ₦3,000 per round from a security agents. Security sources said the suspects and all recovered items had been taken to the Headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace for further investigation. The arrests form part of ongoing security efforts to dismantle illegal arms networks and disrupt the supply of weapons and ammunition to criminal elements operating in Plateau State.