Troops Arrest Suspected Arms Racketeer, Recover Weapons in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested a suspected high-profile arms racketeer and recovered weapons, ammunition and other items during an intelligence-led operation in Plateau State.
A military source said a covert team from the headquarters of OPEP launched the operation at about 2:30 p.m. on June 14 following credible intelligence on the movement of arms by a suspected trafficker travelling in a white Peugeot vehicle from Jos South towards the Makera axis in Riyom Local Government Area.
The source disclosed that the suspect was identified, trailed and eventually intercepted by troops at a checkpoint in Makera.
According to the source, a search of the vehicle led to the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols, 167 rounds of 9mm ammunition, three cans of pepper spray, one jack knife, two mobile phones, two cutlasses, a police staff tag, three photographs of the suspect in police uniform, two ATM cards, a National Identification Number (NIN) card and the sum of N73,300.
The source added that preliminary investigation identified the suspect as Danjuma Yusuf, a dismissed police inspector whose last posting was at Police Mobile Force Base 7, Abuja.
The suspect is currently in the custody of Operation Enduring Peace and is undergoing further investigation.
Security authorities described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and criminal activities in Plateau State and adjoining areas.
