Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN have apprehended more gunrunners and recovered automatic weapons in a series of operations in Plateau State, just 72 hours after the arrest of five notorious arms dealers.
Confirming the report, Military Public Information Officer, Operation SAFE HAVEN Malor Samson Nantip Zhakom said the latest crackdown took place in Bokkos Town, Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) on September 18, 2024.
He said acting on intelligence, security operatives disrupted a transaction involving the sale of arms and ammunition valued at N5 million at Banana Island Hotel in Bokkos. During the sting operation, two suspected gunrunners, identified as Matawal Bitrus and Thomas Benedict, were arrested. The following weapons were seized:
- Two AK-47 rifles
- One automatic pistol
- Two AK-47 magazines
- One Beretta pistol magazine
Zhakom added that the suspects are currently in custody for interrogation, with authorities working to track down other members of the gunrunning syndicate still at large.
This latest operation follows an earlier bust on September 17, 2024, where troops arrested five gunrunners and seized automatic weapons and 6,000 rounds of ammunition in Jos North LGA.
He reaffirmed that criminality knows no ethnic or religious boundaries and urged communities in Plateau, Bauchi, and Southern Kaduna to provide security agencies with credible information. He assured the public that Operation SAFE HAVEN, in collaboration with other security forces, remains committed to combating the illegal proliferation of firearms, which is a key driver of security threats in the region.
The public is encouraged to report security concerns via the newly activated 24-hour toll-free line at 08000020203.
