Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have foiled an alleged attempt to transport illicit arms through Zak Village in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, recovering two AK-47 rifles and other military-related items during a stop-and-search operation.
The operation was carried out on August 29, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt the movement and proliferation of illegal weapons and deny criminal elements access to arms.
During the operation, troops intercepted a green Volkswagen Golf vehicle for a routine search and reportedly discovered a specially fabricated concealed compartment inside the vehicle’s dashboard.
The driver was said to have abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush after being directed to open the compartment.
Troops immediately pursued and apprehended the suspect. However, while being restrained, he allegedly attempted to disarm one of the soldiers, prompting a response by the troops during which he was neutralised.
A subsequent search of the concealed compartment led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, one magazine, two wooden rifle butts, nine magazine pouches, two camel bags, six jungle hats, one mobile phone and an ATM card.
The Nigerian Army said the recovery underscored the effectiveness of sustained security operations aimed at disrupting arms trafficking networks and preventing illicit weapons from falling into the hands of criminal elements.
The Army reiterated that, in collaboration with other security agencies, it remained committed to maintaining pressure on criminal networks and securing critical routes and vulnerable communities across the country.
It said troops would continue to conduct robust stop-and-search operations and intelligence-driven interventions to identify, disrupt and dismantle networks involved in the trafficking of illicit arms and other instruments of violence.
The Army also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly provide credible information to security agencies on suspicious movements and activities within their communities.
