Troops of Operation Safe Haven have successfully apprehended five notorious gunrunners and recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition in Plateau State.
The arrests were made during an intelligence-driven operation aimed at curbing the proliferation of illegal arms in the region.
According to a statement released by Major Stephen Nantip Zhakom, the Military Public Information Officer of Operation Safe Haven, the operation took place between the night of 16 September and the early hours of 17 September.
Troops from the Delta Force and Sector 1 raided the hideout of a known gunrunner, Mohammed Sani, located at the Naraguta Mining Area in Bayameni, Jos North Local Government Area (LGA). During the raid, Sani and four others were arrested, while a large quantity of weapons and ammunition was seized.
Among the recovered items were two AK-47 rifles, a Fabrique Nationale automatic rifle, 14 AK-47 magazines, 5,316 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, and 98 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, along with 43 rounds of 9mm. This seizure marks a significant breakthrough in the fight against illegal arms trade in the region.
“The suspects are undergoing interrogation for useful intelligence to aid in arresting other members of the syndicate as well as decimating the gunrunning supply chain,” the military statement revealed.
Operation Safe Haven, which operates across Plateau and parts of Bauchi State, is responsible for maintaining peace in an area frequently troubled by clashes and violence. The success of this latest operation has been attributed to strong intelligence-gathering and close collaboration with local communities. The military commended the people of Plateau State for providing “credible information leading to the arrest of the gunrunners and recovery of arms and ammunition,” urging further cooperation to ensure a “crime-free environment.”
This development is expected to have a significant impact on the security situation in Plateau State, a region long affected by ethno-religious tensions and clashes. The removal of these illegal weapons from circulation is likely to reduce the potential for further violent outbreaks, while the military continues its efforts to dismantle gunrunning syndicates across the region.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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