Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have arrested four suspected illegal arms fabricators and gunrunners in coordinated intelligence-led operations across Mangu and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
The operations, conducted between October 7 and 11, 2026, also led to the recovery of locally fabricated firearms, an AK-47 rifle barrel, a magazine and 42 rounds of ammunition, in a move aimed at disrupting illicit arms production and distribution networks suspected of fuelling insecurity in the state.
The arrests followed credible intelligence received on October 4, prompting troops of Sectors 8 and 4 to launch coordinated covert operations in the affected areas.
Among those arrested was Ayuba Sunday Abot, identified as a suspected illegal arms fabricator operating in Heipang, Barkin Ladi LGA.
The other suspects, identified as Tangkat Danjuma, Kopdi Appollos and Nyam Nzang, were allegedly involved in gunrunning activities across Mangu and Barkin Ladi local government areas.
Items recovered during the operations included one locally fabricated revolver rifle, one locally fabricated pistol, one fabricated AK-47 barrel, one AK-47 magazine and 42 rounds of 7.62 × 54mm ammunition, alongside other items suspected to be linked to the alleged criminal activities.
Security sources said the recovered weapons and ammunition could provide important leads for ongoing investigations into the sources, production methods and distribution channels of illicit arms in Plateau State.
Preliminary interrogation reportedly indicated that the recovered ammunition was allegedly purchased at ₦3,000 per round from an unidentified soldier.
The allegation, which has not been independently verified, is being investigated to establish its credibility and determine whether any serving military personnel or other individuals were involved in the purported transaction.
The suspects and recovered items are currently in the custody of Headquarters, Operation ENDURING PEACE, for further investigation and necessary action.
Meanwhile, troops are intensifying intelligence-gathering efforts and follow-up operations to identify other suspected members of the network and dismantle additional illegal arms supply chains operating across the state.
The operation underscores the Nigerian Army’s continuing efforts to curb the proliferation of illicit weapons, which can facilitate violent crimes and undermine security across communities in Plateau State.
The Army reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and restoring lasting peace in the state, while urging residents to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing operations against criminal elements.
