JOS, PLATEAU – June 27, 2026
The Nigerian military has disclosed that individuals apprehended at illegal weapon manufacturing sites in Plateau State admitted to selling locally made firearms to Fulani militias. Security forces revealed that these armed groups were favored by the gunrunners due to their willingness to pay significantly higher prices compared to other buyers.
This information comes on the heels of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) troops successfully uncovering and dismantling three to four illegal arms production facilities throughout the state. The military emphasized that these targeted arrests represent a major disruption in illegal arms trafficking networks and highlight the success of ongoing intelligence-driven operations in the area.
Brigadier General Selong Sule, who officially shared the news, explained how the suspects initially tried to hide their main customers during questioning. He pointed out that the arrested gunrunners first claimed they sold their illegal weapons to various random clients across the state.
"However, some later admitted that they also sold these weapons to Fulani militias because they offered higher prices," Sule remarked. He issued a strong warning that the ongoing spread of these locally manufactured firearms poses a significant challenge to achieving lasting peace and security in Plateau State.
These recent developments underscore the critical need for effective intelligence gathering in this unstable region. To keep the momentum going, the military has urgently urged the public to stay alert and share credible information with authorities.
Security agencies stressed that community involvement is essential in identifying any remaining illegal arms factories and curbing the dangerous spread of weapons. Efforts to contact the Plateau State Police Command for additional comments on the arrests and ongoing investigations were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
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