The Plateau State Police Command has arrested two suspected arms traffickers and recovered firearms and ammunition during an operation targeting the illegal movement and sale of weapons in the state.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, SP Alfred Alabo, who said the suspects were picked up following intelligence reports linking them to unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the police, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team working alongside officers of the Bukuru Division arrested a 40 year old suspect, Yakubu Danladi Pam, at Miyango Gyel behind Building Materials in Jos on June 22. Pam, who is from Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, was said to have been under surveillance over his alleged involvement in illegal arms possession.
Investigators said the suspect admitted to having a locally fabricated firearm, claiming he obtained it for self defence against attacks in his area.
Police said Pam later told investigators that he bought the weapon from 19 year old Abdulsalam Mohammed Hassan, a resident of Kadunu in Mangu Local Government Area.
A locally fabricated AK 47 rifle was subsequently recovered from Pam, while further investigation led security operatives to Hassan, who was later arrested.
According to the command, Hassan allegedly confessed to selling the firearm to Pam and told investigators that he served as a middleman in the illegal trade, sourcing weapons from unnamed suppliers and selling them to buyers for profit.
The police said another rifle identified as a Type 06, along with two magazines and 29 rounds of ammunition, was recovered from Hassan.
Both suspects are currently being held by the State Criminal Investigation Department as detectives continue efforts to trace the source of the weapons and uncover other members of the suspected trafficking network.
Reacting to the development, Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah, warned residents against the illegal possession, sale and use of firearms, saying such activities pose a serious threat to public peace and security.
He assured residents that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property while intensifying efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating across the state.
