Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested a suspected arms racketeer – a dismissed police inspector – and recovered weapons, ammunition, and other items during a covert operation in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
An operational report made available to journalists in Abuja on Sunday said the operation was conducted by troops of Sector 6 at the Makera checkpoint, following credible intelligence on the movement of illegal arms. Information had emerged that a suspected arms dealer was transporting weapons in a white Peugeot vehicle from Jos South towards the Makera axis of Riyom.
Troops trailed and intercepted the suspect at the checkpoint at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. 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 one jackknife.
The report added that troops also recovered two mobile phones, two cutlasses, a police identity tag, three photographs of the suspect in police uniform, two ATM cards, a National Identity Number card, and N73,300 in cash.
Preliminary investigation identified the suspect as an inspector whose last known posting was at the Nigeria Police Force Base 7, Abuja, before his dismissal from service. He is currently in the custody of Operation Safe Haven and undergoing further investigation.
Efforts are ongoing to establish possible links to criminal networks and determine the intended destination of the recovered weapons and ammunition. The arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and enhance security across Plateau and neighbouring states. (NAN)
