Troops of the 3 Division Garrison/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) have arrested a suspected gunrunner and recovered a cache of weapons during a targeted operation in Plateau State.
The incident occurred on Friday as part of intensified efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms under the recently launched Operation PEACE SHIELD.
The operation, carried out at the Jebbu Bassa Bypass checkpoint in Bassa Local Government Area, followed credible intelligence that alerted troops to the movement of a suspected arms trafficker.
The suspect, identified as Ishaya Musa, was intercepted during routine checks by the security personnel manning the checkpoint.
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Confirming the incident, Samson Zhakom, the spokesperson of OPEP said a thorough search conducted on the suspect and his belongings led to the discovery of several weapons.
He explained that “the Items recovered included six fabricated single-barrel rifles, two fabricated revolver rifles, one Dane gun, an expended cartridge, and additional sundry materials believed to be linked to illegal arms activities”.
Zhakom described the arrest as a major breakthrough in ongoing operations aimed at dismantling weapons supply chains that fuel criminality within the region.
He noted that the suspect is currently in custody, alongside the recovered weapons, for further interrogation and prosecution.
The spokesperson emphasised that the successful operation demonstrates the resolve of JTF OPEP to safeguard communities under its Joint Operations Area.
