Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested an alleged illegal arms fabricator and three suspected gunrunners during coordinated operations in Mangu and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
The arrests followed intelligence received by the military headquarters on October 4, 2026, concerning suspected illegal arms fabrication and trafficking activities in the two local government areas. The operations were subsequently conducted between October 7 and 11.
The alleged arms fabricator, identified as Ayuba Sunday Abot, was reportedly arrested in Heipang, Barkin Ladi LGA. The three other suspects, identified as Tangkat Danjuma, Kopdi Appollos and Nyam Nzang, were arrested over their alleged involvement in illegal arms trafficking.
Items recovered during the operations included a locally fabricated revolver rifle, a pistol, an AK-47 barrel, an AK-47 magazine and 42 rounds of 7.62mm × 54mm ammunition. The troops also recovered materials described in the operational report as metaphysical items.
Preliminary interrogation reportedly indicated that the suspects purchased ammunition at ₦3,000 per round from a security agent whose identity has not been disclosed.
The spokesperson for Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, confirmed the arrests, stating that the suspects and recovered items had been taken to the operation’s headquarters for further investigation.
The arrests form part of ongoing military efforts to dismantle illegal arms networks and curb the circulation of weapons and ammunition to criminal groups operating in Plateau State.
