Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested a suspected gunrunner and recovered three locally fabricated rifles during a security patrol in Plateau State, as part of ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms in the state.
Security sources according to a report by a security expert, ZagaZola Makama, disclosed that the operation was carried out at about 10 a.m. on June 26 by troops attached to Sector 4, Sub-Sector 41, Gashish, after they intercepted a motorcycle travelling from Kuba to Maijanki Village.
The patrol team reportedly became suspicious of the motorcycle carrying two occupants and signalled the rider to stop for a routine search.
However, the passenger allegedly abandoned a bag he was carrying and escaped into a nearby bush on noticing the troops. The motorcycle rider was chased and arrested shortly afterwards.
The suspect was identified as 21-year-old Alpha Nanfwang, a resident of Panyam.
A search of the abandoned bag led to the recovery of three locally manufactured rifles believed to have been transported illegally.
During preliminary questioning, Nanfwang reportedly told investigators that the bag belonged to the fleeing passenger, whom he had picked up from Kuba.
Military authorities have taken the suspect and the recovered firearms into custody, while investigations continue to track down the escaped suspect and determine the intended destination and purpose of the weapons.
Security sources said troops have stepped up patrols and surveillance across vulnerable communities in Plateau State as part of ongoing efforts to prevent the movement of illegal arms and strengthen security across the state.
