Abuja, June 15, 2026 – A targeted security operation in Plateau State has resulted in the arrest of a suspected illegal arms dealer and the seizure of weapons, ammunition and other incriminating items.
Details contained in an operational update released on Sunday indicated that personnel of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) carried out the operation in Riyom Local Government Area following intelligence reports on the movement of prohibited firearms.
The report stated that troops from Sector 6, stationed at the Makera checkpoint, acted on information suggesting that a suspect was transporting weapons in a white Peugeot vehicle from Jos South towards Riyom.
Acting on the intelligence, security operatives tracked the vehicle and intercepted it at the Makera checkpoint at about 2:30 p.m.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of two locally made pistols, 167 rounds of 9mm ammunition, three cans of pepper spray and a jackknife.
Additional items found in the suspect’s possession included two mobile phones, two cutlasses, a police identity tag, three photographs showing the suspect in police uniform, two ATM cards, a National Identity Number card and cash amounting to N73,300.
According to the report, preliminary findings revealed that the suspect was formerly an inspector in the Nigeria Police Force and was last attached to Police Base 7 in Abuja before being dismissed from service.
The suspect has since been taken into custody by Operation Safe Haven, where further investigations are ongoing.
Security authorities are currently working to uncover any connections between the suspect and criminal groups, as well as determine the intended recipients of the recovered weapons and ammunition.
Officials said the operation underscores the continued commitment of security agencies to combating the spread of illegal firearms and strengthening safety across Plateau State and surrounding areas.