Troops arrest five ‘gunrunners’ in Plateau, recover AK-47 rifles

Troops of operation safe haven (OPSH) in Plateau have arrested five suspected gunrunners in the Bayamemi axis of Jos north LGA of the state.

Zagazola Makama, a publication focused on the Lake Chad region, said the arrest was made during an overnight operation “conducted based on reliable intelligence”.

The publication said the troops carried out the operation on September 17.

Sources told Makama that the suspects, along with the seized weapons and ammunition, are currently in military custody for investigation.

“Items recovered from the suspects included; AK-47 Rifles, 1 FN Rifle, 14 AK-47 Magazines, 1 FN Magazine, 5,316 Rounds of 7.62mm (Special) Ammunition 98 Rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) Ammunition and 43 Rounds of 9.5mm Ammunition among other items,” the publication said.

In June, the troops arrested a “wanted gunrunner” in the state.

The suspect was arrested for participating in the December 2023 Christmas Eve attacks on parts of Bokkos and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau state.