Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Troops from the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division and the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have successfully disrupted a suspected gunrunning syndicate in Plateau State, seizing weapons and detaining suspects in an intelligence-led raid that underscores ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms ahead of the yuletide period.
According to military sources, the operation was conducted in the early hours of Wednesday in Vom community, Jos South Local Government Area, based on actionable intelligence on the movement and distribution of illicit weapons within the Joint Operations Area. The aim, officials said, was to deny criminal elements freedom of action and enhance security for residents during the festive season.
During the raid, troops arrested three suspected gunrunners linked to the syndicate. Security personnel also recovered two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, one round of 7.62 mm ammunition, two knives, and three mobile phones believed to be associated with the criminal network’s activities.
The operation, led by intelligence and precision, was not without resistance. As troops withdrew from the area, they encountered opposition from local women and youths who blocked roads and confronted the soldiers, reportedly pelting them with stones and firing at them, according to military accounts. In the ensuing confrontation, one officer sustained injuries, and a military Hilux vehicle suffered damage to its radiator and windscreen before order was restored.
Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, the Media Information Officer for OPEP, confirmed that the arrested suspects and seized items are currently in custody as investigations continue. Authorities said follow-up operations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network and prevent attempts by remnants of the syndicate to regroup or extend their influence.
The crackdown in Plateau is part of sustained military and security interventions in the North-Central region, where illicit arms trafficking has been identified as a major driver of banditry, communal violence, and other criminal activities. By targeting the supply chains that feed illegal firearms into volatile communities, the Nigerian Army and its partners aim to weaken criminal networks and reduce the ease with which weapons reach predators and armed groups.
Plateau State has faced entrenched insecurity over recent years, with communities struggling under the weight of bandit attacks, cattle rustling, and inter-communal clashes. Illegal arms circulation exacerbates these tensions by empowering criminal elements and increasing the lethality of conflicts. Troops operating under Operation Enduring Peace, alongside civil authorities and community stakeholders, have intensified efforts to intercept guns and ammunition, dismantle supply networks, and strengthen the safety of civilians across the state.
Security analysts say that disrupting gunrunning syndicates is crucial to restoring stability in Plateau and other affected states, noting that unchecked arms flows often fuel crime and complicate peace efforts. By arresting suspects and confiscating weapons, military operations aim to stem the tide of illegal firearms, mitigate violence and create an environment more conducive to social and economic activities.
The military’s approach reflects a blend of proactive and reactive strategies—using intelligence to pre-empt criminal operations while also responding to emerging threats. Collaboration with local communities, as well as information sharing with state and federal agencies, remains a key element in identifying suspects and tracking illicit arms movements.
Officials have called on residents to cooperate with security forces by providing timely and credible information on suspicious activities, stressing that public support is indispensable to the success of ongoing peace operations. At the same time, authorities issued stern warnings to individuals or groups who attempt to obstruct security operations, emphasizing that such interference constitutes a serious offence under Nigerian law and will be dealt with accordingly.
The latest actions in Plateau align with broader national initiatives aimed at reducing the circulation of small arms and light weapons across Nigeria. These efforts include joint military and police operations, intelligence-driven enforcement, and community engagement programmes designed to disrupt criminal networks and foster a safer environment for citizens.
As investigations proceed, security agencies are expected to release further details on the extent of the syndicate’s activities and any additional arrests made in connection with the gunrunning network. The operation’s success reinforces the commitment of the Nigerian Army and its partners to safeguard lives and property as the country navigates a period of heightened movement and social activity during the holidays.
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