Troops Arrest Four Suspected Gunrunners, Recover Weapons In Plateau
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested four suspected illegal arms fabricators and gunrunners during intelligence driven operations in Mangu and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State, recovering locally made firearms, ammunition and other items. The operation is part of efforts to dismantle illegal arms networks suspected of fuelling insecurity in the state.
The suspects were arrested during coordinated operations conducted between October 7 and 11, 2026, following intelligence received on October 4. They include Ayuba Sunday Abot, a suspected arms fabricator in Heipang, Barkin Ladi, and three suspected gunrunners identified as Tangkat Danjuma, Kopdi Appollos and Nyam Nzang, who allegedly operated across Mangu and Barkin Ladi.
Items recovered include a locally fabricated revolver rifle, a locally fabricated pistol, an AK-47 barrel, an AK-47 magazine and 42 rounds of 7.62 × 54mm ammunition. The recoveries are expected to assist investigators in tracing the sources of illegal weapons and identifying other members of the suspected network.
Preliminary interrogation reportedly revealed an allegation that the ammunition was purchased for ₦3,000 per round from an unidentified soldier. The allegation has not been independently verified and is being investigated to establish the facts and determine whether anyone was involved in the alleged transaction.
The suspects and recovered items are in the custody of Headquarters, Operation Enduring Peace , for further investigation and necessary action. Troops are also intensifying intelligence gathering and follow up operations to identify other suspects and disrupt illegal arms supply networks across the state.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the proliferation of illegal weapons and restoring peace in Plateau State, urging members of the public to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing operations and protect lives and property.
