Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have recorded a significant breakthrough in the fight against illegal arms trafficking with the arrest of a suspected high-profile arms dealer linked to an interstate weapons supply network in Plateau State.
The operation, which was intelligence-driven, was conducted on Sunday, June 14, by troops of Sector 6 in collaboration with Headquarters Operation ENDURING PEACE following credible information on the movement of illicit arms across state lines.
Military sources said the suspect was travelling in a white Peugeot vehicle from Jos South towards the Makera axis of Riyom Local Government Area when he was identified, placed under surveillance, and intercepted at a military checkpoint in Makera.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols, 167 rounds of 9mm ammunition, three cans of pepper spray, and a jack knife. Troops also recovered two mobile phones, two cutlasses, a police staff identification tag, photographs of the suspect in police uniform, two ATM cards, a National Identification Number (NIN) card, and cash amounting to N73,300.
Preliminary investigations identified the suspect as Inspector Danjuma Yusuf, a dismissed member of the Nigeria Police Force who was formerly attached to Police Base 7 in Abuja
According to intelligence reports, Yusuf is believed to be a key figure in an interstate arms trafficking syndicate allegedly responsible for supplying weapons to criminal groups involved in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across the country.
The suspect is currently in military custody and undergoing further interrogation aimed at uncovering the full extent of the network, including its financiers, collaborators, and supply channels.
Military authorities described the arrest as a major disruption to illegal arms trafficking operations and a testament to the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-led security operations targeted at curbing the proliferation of illicit weapons.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment, in collaboration with other security agencies, to safeguarding lives and property while sustaining offensive operations against threats to national security. It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore lasting peace across the country.
