Troops arrest 5 suspected criminals, recover weapons in Plateau

Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have arrested five suspects and seized arms and ammunition in separate operations in Jos south LGA of Plateau state.

Zagazola Makama, a counter insurgency publication focusing on the Lake Chad region, reported that the suspects include 28-year-old Stephen Maisaje, a suspected gun runner.

Maisaje was apprehended around 8:30 pm on November 17 by troops of OPSH sector 6 at a stop-and-search checkpoint in Kwanan Fulani area of the state, following credible intelligence.

During the search, authorities discovered a fabricated rifle, an AK-47 magazine, 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a knife, and a motorcycle among his belongings.

Preliminary investigations suggest he was allegedly transporting the weapons to Farin Lamba, another area in Jos south.

In a separate operation two hours later, troops arrested four additional suspects at another checkpoint in the same area.

“The suspects were identified as Benjamin Mwanta, 26; Bitrus David, 38; Joseph Davou, 27; and Christopher Jah, 26,” the report said.

“Items recovered from the operation included an AK-47 rifle, a fabricated AK-47 rifle, one round of 7.62mm special ammunition, a jackknife, four mobile phones, and three motorcycles.

“The suspects and the seized arms are in custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.”