Troops arrest ‘bandits, gunrunners’ in Plateau, Kaduna

Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) and 3 Division of the Nigerian Army have arrested suspected bandits and gunrunners in Plateau and Kaduna states.

In a statement on Monday, Samson Zhakom, OPSH spokesperson, said the suspects were arrested by a joint team. 

Zhakom added that the operatives recovered various arms and ammunition during the raid that lasted one week.

“On June 21, troops conducted an operation to flush out armed militias and other criminals in a suspected bandits’ hideout at Pandam forest in Qua’anpan local government area of Plateau,” the statement reads.

“During the operation, troops recovered 3 AK-47 rifles, 5 AK-47 magazines and 75 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

“Also, in a combined operation with a sister security agency on June 21, troops tracked and arrested a notorious gunrunner along Jos-Abuja road, around Riyom local government area of Plateau.

“The suspect was arrested while on his way to supply 35 AK-47 magazines to another gunrunner who, unknown to the first gunrunner, has been tracked and arrested in Kano state on June 20.

“Information obtained from the arrested suspect led to the immediate arrest of the major arms supplier at Manchok, Kaura local government area of Kaduna state.

“This is while he was making efforts to receive the 35 AK-47 magazines from the first gunrunner for onward delivery to bandits in Zamfara state.”

Zhakom added that troops searched the home of the major gunrunner and recovered weapons.

He said the weapons include 35 AK-47 magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, three Bajaj motorcycles, three mobile phones and items suspected to be local charms.

He implored residents to support security agencies in their fight against banditry in the country.