Troops arrest suspected gunrunner, recover ammunition in Plateau

Troops of the Joint Task Force under Operation Enduring Peace (JTF-OPEP) have apprehended a suspected gunrunner in Mairana community, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, following a security operation based on intelligence reports.

The arrest was confirmed on Saturday in Jos by the operation’s Media Officer, Maj. Samson Zhakom, who said the action was carried out on Friday after credible information was received.

According to him, security personnel working alongside an intelligence agency tactical unit mounted a snap checkpoint in the area, which led to the interception of a suspect conveying a large cache of ammunition.

“Troops in collaboration with an intelligence agency tactical team, acting on credible intelligence, established a snap checkpoint at Mairana in Mangu LGA.

“During the operation, a person was intercepted in possession of two boxes of ammunition containing 1,400 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.

“The suspect has been arrested, while the recovered items are currently in custody pending further investigation.

“Troops are also conducting follow-up operations to apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate,” he said.

Maj. Zhakom further disclosed that the task force also carried out a raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Gwender community, Bokkos Local Government Area, where arms and ammunition were recovered.

Items seized during the raid included a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, a pistol, and several rounds of ammunition of various calibres.

The media officer urged residents of Plateau State to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely information, stressing that such support is vital to sustaining peace and security across the state.