Troops seize weapons, arrest suspected arms supplier

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have apprehended a suspected arms racketeer and recovered arms, ammunition and other items during a covert operation in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau.

This is contained in an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja on Sunday.

The report said that the operation was conducted by troops of Sector 6 at Makera checkpoint following credible intelligence on the movement of illegal arms.

It also said that the operation was initiated after information emerged that a suspected arms dealer was transporting weapons in a white Peugeot vehicle from Jos South towards the Makera axis of Riyom.

According to the report, troops trailed and intercepted the suspect at the checkpoint in Makera at about 2;30 p.m. on Sunday.

“A search conducted on the vehicle led to the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols, 167 rounds of 9mm ammunition, three cans of pepper spray and one jack knife.”

The report added that troops also recovered two mobile phones, two cutlasses, a police staff identity tag, three photographs of the suspect in police uniform, two ATM cards, a National Identity Number card and N73,300 cash.

It revealed that preliminary investigation identified the suspect as an Inspector, whose last known posting was at the Nigeria Police Force Base 7 Abuja before his dismissal from service.

The report further said that the suspect was currently in the custody of Operation Safe Haven and undergoing further investigation.

It added that efforts were ongoing to establish possible links to criminal networks and determine the intended destination of the recovered weapons and ammunition.

The arrest, according to the report, forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and enhance security across Plateau and neighbouring states.(NAN)