By Kingsley Omonobi

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested five suspected gunrunners and recovered a cache of arms, ammunition, and motorcycles allegedly intended for terrorists in the North Central region.

In a statement, the Army disclosed that the arrests were made during intelligence-based operations under the Joint Operations Area of 3 Division/Operation Safe Haven as part of efforts to secure lives and property.

According to the statement: “On 17 November 2024, security agencies, during a snap operation at Kwanan Fulani in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, arrested a notorious gunrunner who was transporting arms and ammunition to Farin Lamba in Jos South.

“Items recovered from the suspect included one fabricated rifle, one AK-47 magazine, 15 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, one knife, and one motorcycle. The suspect is in custody and has been making useful confessions to aid further operations aimed at apprehending his collaborators.”

The statement further revealed that, two hours later, security agencies intercepted another group of four suspected gunrunners at the same location.

“During a search of the suspects, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one fabricated AK-47 rifle, one round of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, three motorcycles, and one jackknife. The suspects and recovered items are currently in the custody of security agencies for further interrogation.”

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property within the Joint Operations Area, in line with its operational mandate.

It also appealed to the public to provide timely intelligence to security agencies to aid efforts to eliminate criminal elements in the region.