The Plateau State Police Command has arrested two suspected arms traffickers and recovered rifles, magazines, and ammunition in separate intelligence-led operations aimed at curbing the proliferation of illegal firearms.
 |
| Firearms, magazines, and ammunition recovered by the Plateau State Police Command during an intelligence-led operation against suspected arms traffickers. |
JOS, PLATEAU STATE – July 3, 2026
The Plateau State Police Command has arrested two suspected arms traffickers during separate intelligence-led operations, recovering firearms, magazines, and ammunition as part of ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal weapons across the state.
Police authorities said the operations form part of a sustained crackdown on criminal networks involved in the illegal acquisition, distribution, and sale of firearms, which have continued to fuel violent crimes and communal attacks in parts of Plateau State.
The arrests come amid renewed security concerns following a series of attacks in several communities across the state, where armed groups have been linked to killings, kidnappings, and attacks on farming settlements.
According to the Plateau State Police Command, operatives recovered a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, another rifle, two magazines, and 29 rounds of live ammunition from the suspects during the operations.
Police said the recoveries were made following credible intelligence that led officers to the suspects' locations.
The identities of the suspects were not immediately disclosed as investigations continue to determine the source of the weapons and whether other members of the suspected trafficking network remain at large.
Authorities said efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend additional suspects connected to the illegal arms trade.
The Police Command said the operation underscores its commitment to preventing the circulation of illegal firearms, which security experts say remain a major driver of violent crimes across several parts of the country.
Police noted that restricting access to illicit weapons is essential to reducing incidents of armed robbery, kidnapping, communal violence, banditry, and other organised crimes.
The Command reaffirmed its resolve to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance operations, and strategic partnerships with other security agencies to dismantle criminal networks operating within Plateau State.
Security analysts have consistently warned that the widespread circulation of illicit firearms continues to undermine peace and security in many parts of Nigeria.
According to experts, illegally manufactured and trafficked weapons often find their way into the hands of criminal gangs, kidnappers, bandits, and violent extremist groups, complicating efforts by security agencies to maintain law and order.
They say intelligence-led policing, improved border security, and stronger community cooperation remain essential to disrupting illegal arms supply chains.
The Plateau State Police Command appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible and timely information about suspicious individuals and activities within their communities.
Police assured members of the public that information supplied through official channels would be treated confidentially and used solely for security purposes.
The Command also advised residents to avoid handling abandoned firearms or suspicious objects and instead notify the nearest police formation immediately.
Police said investigations are ongoing to determine the intended destination of the recovered weapons and whether they were linked to recent criminal activities within Plateau State or neighbouring states.
The Command reiterated its commitment to ensuring that those involved in the illegal arms trade are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The latest arrests highlight the continued efforts of security agencies to prevent illegal firearms from reaching criminal groups and to strengthen public safety across Plateau State and the wider North Central region.
More on Plateau