Troops Arrest Suspected Arms Fabricator, 3 Gunrunners in Plateau

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace of the Nigerian Army 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.

The suspected illegal arms fabricator, Ayuba Sunday Abot, who was reportedly operating at Heipang in Barkin Ladi LGA, was arrested by troops following 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.

The three suspected gunrunners, Tangkat Danjuma, Kopdi Appollos and Nyam Nzang, were arrested over their alleged involvement in illegal arms trafficking in Mangu and Barkin Ladi LGAs.

The troops conducted coordinated covert operations between Oct. 7 and Oct. 11, targeting the suspects’ criminal networks and operational locations.

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 agent.

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.