Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have arrested four suspected illegal arms fabricators and gunrunners during intelligence-led operations in Mangu and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
The operations, conducted between October 7 and 11, 2026, also led to the recovery of locally fabricated firearms, an AK-47 magazine, ammunition and other items suspected to be linked to illegal arms production and trafficking.
According to the military, the operations followed credible intelligence received on October 4, prompting troops from Sectors 8 and 4 to launch coordinated covert operations in the affected areas.
Among those arrested was Ayuba Sunday Abot, a suspected illegal arms fabricator allegedly operating in Heipang, Barkin Ladi LGA.
The other suspects were identified as Tangkat Danjuma, Kopdi Appollos and Nyam Nzang, who were allegedly involved in gunrunning activities across Mangu and Barkin Ladi LGAs.
Items recovered during the operations included a locally fabricated revolver rifle, a locally fabricated pistol, a fabricated AK-47 barrel, an AK-47 magazine and 42 rounds of 7.62 × 54mm ammunition.
The military said the arrests and recoveries were part of ongoing efforts to disrupt illegal arms production and distribution networks suspected of contributing to insecurity in Plateau State.
It added that the recovered items could provide useful leads for further investigations aimed at identifying other individuals involved in the alleged illegal activities.
The suspects are expected to face further investigation to establish their respective roles in the suspected arms trafficking network.
