The Plateau State Police Command has arrested two suspects for the alleged illegal possession and sale of locally fabricated firearms. During separate operations in Jos and Mangu local government areas, officers recovered two rifles, magazines, and ammunition. The state command's spokesperson, Alfred Alabo, announced the arrests in a statement on Wednesday, noting that they followed intelligence-led operations by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in collaboration with officers from the Bukuru Division.
Suspects Confess to Supplying Firearms
According to Mr Alabo, the suspects confessed to possessing and supplying the recovered firearms. Investigations are ongoing to identify the source of the weapons and other members of the network. The police stated that operatives arrested Yakubu Pam, 40, of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, on 22 June at Miyango-Gyel, behind Building Materials in Jos, after receiving credible intelligence linking him to illegal possession of firearms.
During interrogation, Mr Pam allegedly admitted to possessing a locally fabricated firearm, claiming he bought it for self-protection against attacks. Police recovered a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle from him. The suspect reportedly identified the supplier as Abdulsalam Hassan, 19, of Kadunu in Mangu Local Government Area.
Middleman Arrested with Type 06 Rifle
Police said detectives subsequently arrested Mr Hassan, who allegedly confessed to acting as a middleman by obtaining firearms from unknown sources and selling them to buyers for financial gain. Officers reportedly recovered a Type 06 rifle, two magazines, and 29 rounds of ammunition from him. Mr Alabo said the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation to trace the origin of the weapons and identify other suspects involved in the alleged arms trafficking network.
The Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, warned residents against the illegal possession, sale, and use of firearms, stating that such activities pose a serious threat to public safety. He reiterated the police's commitment to dismantling criminal networks and protecting lives and property across the state.
Ongoing Efforts to Curb Violence in Plateau
The arrests come amid renewed efforts by security agencies to curb violence in Plateau. Governor Caleb Mutfwang recently restructured the state's security architecture, appointing new heads for Operation Rainbow and other security positions following persistent attacks in parts of the state. This development follows the killing of three people at a mining site in Nyango, Gyel District of Jos South Local Government Area on 30 June, an attack that renewed concerns over insecurity in Plateau. Earlier, on 26 June, troops of Operation Enduring Peace rescued eight kidnapped victims from Pandam Forest in Qua'an Pan Local Government Area after a gun battle with suspected kidnappers. Security agencies say the latest arrests form part of ongoing efforts to disrupt criminal networks fueling violence across the state.
