Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested a dismissed police inspector suspected of operating an interstate arms trafficking network supplying weapons to criminal groups.
The suspect was apprehended during an intelligence-led operation conducted by troops of Sector 6 in collaboration with the Headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, according to military reports issued on Sunday.
Military sources said the operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of illicit arms across state lines. The suspect, travelling in a white Peugeot vehicle from Jos South towards the Makera axis, was 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 tag, photographs of the suspect in police uniform, two ATM cards, a National Identification Number card and N73,300 in cash.
Preliminary investigations identified the suspect as Danjuma Yusuf, a dismissed inspector formerly attached to Police Base 7, Abuja.
According to military intelligence, the suspect is believed to be a key figure in an interstate arms trafficking syndicate allegedly supplying weapons to criminal groups involved in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
He remains in military custody while further investigations continue to uncover his network of associates, financiers and arms supply channels.
The Nigerian Army described the arrest as a major setback for illegal arms trafficking networks and a testament to the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-driven operations aimed at curbing the proliferation of illicit weapons.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to working with other security agencies to combat criminality and enhance national security, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information to support ongoing operations.
