Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division, operating under Operation Enduring Peace, have arrested a suspected gunrunner and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition during coordinated security operations in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
The operations, carried out on Thursday, December 18, 2025, were part of sustained efforts by the military to flush out illicit weapons and criminal elements ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations within the Joint Operations Area.
In the first operation, troops, working in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services, raided a suspected criminal hideout at Gwender Village in Bokkos LGA, following actionable intelligence.
Although the suspects reportedly fled before the arrival of security forces, a thorough search of the hideout led to the recovery of one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle with a magazine, one locally made pistol, and several rounds of ammunition of different calibres.
In a related operation the same day, troops in conjunction with a DSS tactical team mounted a snap checkpoint at Mairana community in Mangu LGA, also based on credible intelligence.
During the operation, a Fulani youth was intercepted and arrested while allegedly conveying two boxes of ammunition containing a total of 1,400 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Military sources said the suspect and all recovered items are currently in custody and undergoing preliminary investigation, while follow-up operations have been intensified to track down other members of the suspected arms trafficking network.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its resolve to sustain pressure on criminal syndicates and illegal arms dealers, stressing that the operations are aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across Plateau State and the wider Joint Operations Area, particularly during the yuletide season.
Residents were also urged to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.
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