Troops bust interstate arms trafficking syndicate in Plateau, arrest dismissed police officer allegedly supplying weapons to terrorists, bandits and kidnappers

Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have arrested a dismissed police officer suspected of being involved in an interstate arms trafficking network operating across parts of the country.  The suspect identified the suspect as Danjuma Yusuf, was apprehended in Plateau State during an intelligence-led operation conducted by troops of Sector 6 in collaboration with Headquarters Operation ENDURING PEACE. Preliminary investigations revealed that Yusuf, a former inspector attached to Police Base 7, Abuja, who had reportedly been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force. The Army in a statement issued on Sunday, June 14, 2026 said 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 According to the statement, the operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of illicit arms across state lines. The suspect was travelling in a white Peugeot vehicle from Jos South Local Government Area towards the Makera axis of Riyom Local Government Area when he was placed under surveillance and intercepted at a military checkpoint in Makera. A search conducted on 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. "Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have recorded a major operational success with the arrest of a suspected high-profile arms trafficker linked to an interstate illegal weapons network, the statement read. "The breakthrough followed credible intelligence on the movement of illicit arms across state lines.  "Acting swiftly, troops of Sector 6, in collaboration with Headquarters Operation ENDURING PEACE, executed a coordinated intelligence-led operation on Sunday, 14 June 2026. "The suspect, travelling in a white Peugeot vehicle from Jos South towards the Makera axis in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, was identified, placed under surveillance  and intercepted at a military checkpoint in Makera.  "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 found in his possession include two mobile phones, two cutlasses, a police staff tag, photographs of the suspect in police uniform, two ATM cards, a National Identification Number (NIN) card  and cash amounting to N73,300. "Preliminary findings identified the suspect as Inspector Danjuma Yusuf, formerly of Nigeria Police Force Base 7, Abuja, who had been dismissed from service.  "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. "He is currently in the custody of the troops where further interrogation is ongoing to uncover his network, including associates, financiers and supply channels. "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 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 public is urged to continue providing timely and credible information to support efforts at dismantling criminal networks and restoring lasting peace.  The post Troops bust interstate arms trafficking syndicate in Plateau, arrest dismissed police officer allegedly supplying weapons to terrorists, bandits and kidnappers appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.