Troops of the 3rd Division Garrison/Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP) have arrested a suspected gunman and recovered a cache of weapons during a targeted operation in Plateau State.
The incident occurred on Friday as part of intensified efforts to prevent the spread of illegal weapons under the recently launched Operation Peace Shield.
The operation, which was conducted at the Jebu Bassa Bypass Checkpoint in Bassa Local Government Area, followed credible intelligence which alerted troops to the activity of a suspected arms smuggler.
The suspect, identified as Ishaya Musa, was stopped by security personnel deployed at the checkpoint during a routine check.
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Confirming the incident, OPEP spokesperson Samson Jhakom said that a thorough search of the suspect and his belongings led to the recovery of several weapons.
He reported that “items recovered included six manufactured single-barreled rifles, two manufactured revolver rifles, one Dane gun, one spent cartridge and additional miscellaneous materials believed to be associated with illegal arms activities”.
Jhakom described the arrest as a major breakthrough in ongoing operations aimed at dismantling arms supply chains that fuel criminality within the region.
He said the suspect is currently being detained along with the recovered weapons pending further interrogation and prosecution.
The spokesperson stressed that the successful operation demonstrates the resolve of JTF OPEP to protect the communities under its joint area of operations.
