Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have arrested a suspected gunrunner and recovered three locally fabricated rifles during a patrol operation in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation was carried out at about 10:00 a.m. on June 26, 2026, by troops of Sector 4, Sub-Sector 41, Gashish, following the interception of a motorcycle conveying two persons from Kuba in Bokkos Local Government Area to Maijanki Village in Barkin Ladi.
According to security sources, the troops became suspicious of the motorcycle’s movement and attempted to stop it for a routine search.
However, on sighting the troops, the passenger reportedly threw away a bag he was carrying and fled into a nearby bush, while the rider attempted to escape but was apprehended after a brief pursuit.
The arrested suspect was identified as Alpha Nanfwang, 21, a resident of Panyam in Mangu Local Government Area.
A search of the abandoned bag led to the recovery of three locally fabricated rifles suspected to have been transported for criminal purposes.
During preliminary interrogation, Nanfwang reportedly told investigators that the bag belonged to the fleeing passenger, whom he had picked up from Kuba.
The suspect and the recovered firearms are currently in military custody, while investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing suspect and determine the intended destination of the weapons.
Security sources said troops have intensified patrols and surveillance across the area as part of ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and deny criminal elements freedom of movement across Plateau State.
