Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have recorded another operational breakthrough in Plateau State, arresting four suspected illegal arms fabricators and gunrunners during coordinated intelligence-driven operations in Mangu and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas.
The operations also led to the recovery of locally fabricated firearms, ammunition and other incriminating items, dealing a significant blow to suspected illegal arms supply networks fuelling insecurity in the state.
Acting on credible intelligence received on October 4, 2026, troops of Sectors 8 and 4 conducted coordinated covert operations between October 7 and 11, 2026, leading to the arrest of the suspects.
Those apprehended include Ayuba Sunday Abot, a suspected illegal arms fabricator operating in Heipang, Barkin Ladi LGA, and three suspected gunrunners identified as Tangkat Danjuma, Kopdi Appollos and Nyam Nzang, who allegedly operated across Mangu and Barkin Ladi LGAs.
Items recovered during the operations include one locally fabricated revolver rifle, one locally fabricated pistol, one fabricated AK-47 barrel, one AK-47 magazine and 42 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammunition, alongside other items suspected to be associated with the illegal activities.
The recoveries are expected to provide valuable leads in ongoing investigations aimed at uncovering illicit arms production and distribution networks.