Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a dismissed police inspector allegedly linked to an interstate arms trafficking syndicate, recovering ammunition and locally made firearms during an intelligence-led operation in Plateau State.
The suspect, Danjuma Yusuf, a former inspector attached to Police Force Base 7, Abuja, was arrested on Sunday following credible intelligence on the movement of illicit arms across state lines.
Military authorities said the operation was carried out by troops of Sector 6 in collaboration with the Headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace, leading to the interception of the suspect along the Makera axis of Riyom Local Government Area.
According to the military, the suspect was travelling in a white Peugeot vehicle from Jos South when he was placed under surveillance and subsequently intercepted at a military checkpoint.
“Acting on credible intelligence regarding the movement of illicit arms across state lines, troops of Sector 6, in collaboration with Headquarters Operation Enduring Peace, executed a coordinated intelligence-led operation on Sunday, 14 June 2026,” the military said.
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.
Other items recovered from the suspect included two mobile phones, two cutlasses, a police staff identification tag, photographs of him in police uniform, two ATM cards, a National Identification Number card and cash amounting to N73,300.
“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,” the statement added.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force and was allegedly playing a major role in an interstate arms trafficking network.
“Further intelligence indicates that the suspect is a key figure in an interstate arms trafficking syndicate, allegedly supplying weapons to criminal elements involved in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes,” the military disclosed.
Security sources said the suspect remains in military custody, where he is undergoing further interrogation aimed at identifying his associates, financiers and supply routes.
“He is currently in the custody of the troops where further interrogation is ongoing to uncover his network, including associates, financiers and supply channels,” the statement said.
Military authorities described the arrest as a significant setback for illegal arms dealers and criminal groups operating across the country.
“His arrest marks a significant disruption of illegal arms trafficking networks and underscores the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-driven military operations aimed at curbing the proliferation of illicit weapons,” the military noted.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining coordinated operations with other security agencies to combat criminality and enhance national security.
“The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, remains committed to safeguarding lives and property while sustaining offensive operations against all threats to national security,” the statement added.
The military also called on members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information capable of aiding efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore lasting peace across affected communities.
