By Kingsley Omonobi

In a major crackdown on organized crime and insecurity, the Nigeria Police Force has arrested 63 suspected gun runners and seized over 191 prohibited firearms across the country. Additionally, 4,255 assorted live ammunition were recovered during the operation.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, announced the success in a statement on Monday, highlighting significant progress in the fight against illegal firearms trafficking.

“One of the major breakthroughs was the arrest of eight suspects linked to a gun running syndicate operating in Plateau State and its surrounding areas,” Adejobi said. The suspects, including Joseph Tara, Victor Ali Pam, Abua Yusuf, and others, were apprehended after credible intelligence led the police to a large cache of arms concealed in a vehicle doormat.

Recovered items from the operation included 12 rounds of 7.88mm live ammunition, 8 fabricated AK-47 rifles, 4 fabricated revolver guns, 4 fabricated semi-automatic pistols, 11 AK-47 magazines, and 1,105 live AK-47 rounds.

The police also arrested Amos Sunday Gyang, who was found in possession of a semi-automatic pistol hidden inside a cushion of his rented apartment. Gyang claimed to have discovered the weapon but failed to report it to authorities.

ACP Adejobi emphasized that it is illegal to possess a weapon without proper licensing, urging citizens to report any discoveries of weapons to the police.

The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while continuing to combat security threats across the country.