Crime
EXCLUSIVE: Army Troops Bust Illegal Arms Factory in Plateau, Arrest Five Suspected Berom Militia Members Aiding Attacks
EXCLUSIVE: Army Troops Bust Illegal Arms Factory in Plateau, Arrest Five Suspected Berom Militia Members Aiding Attacks
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have uncovered illegal arms manufacturing sites in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State and arrested five suspected Berom militia members linked to the fabrication of weapons used in attacks across the state.
Security sources disclosed that the suspects were arrested on Wednesday during a coordinated raid operation conducted by the Quick Response Force (QRF) of Headquarters OPEP at Vom community following weeks of intelligence gathering and covert surveillance.
According to the sources, the operation targeted two separate illegal arms manufacturing sites where the suspects were allegedly caught in the act of fabricating weapons for attacks and silent killings.
Items recovered during the raid included nine fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally made pistol, four empty magazines, seven skeleton AK-47 rifles and 10 rifle butts.
Troops also recovered 36 empty shells of 7.62mm special ammunition, four revolver engines, 14 recoiling springs, six hand drilling machines, nine filing machines, four welding machines and other tools used for weapon fabrication.
“The operation followed extensive human intelligence activities aimed at identifying arms proliferation networks and illegal weapon manufacturing cells operating within Plateau communities,” a security source said.
The suspects and recovered weapons have been taken into custody at Headquarters OPEP for further investigation.
Security sources said ongoing covert operations were being intensified to track other illegal arms manufacturers and recover weapons proliferated across Plateau State.
The latest discovery comes amid renewed attacks and reprisals in parts of Plateau, particularly in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas, where communities have witnessed recurring violence involving armed groups, militias and criminal elements.
“This one the third armed factory that have been discovered within three weeks,”said the sources.
Security assessments indicate that while attacks in Plateau are often attributed solely to suspected Fulani militias or bandits, several armed groups within local communities, including ethnic Berom militias, have also been implicated in series of attacks, reprisals, attack on mining sites, illegal possession of firearms and violent attacks.
The security sources noted that some militia elements within the Berom communities had been linked to attacks, counter-attacks and the circulation of illicit weapons, further complicating the security situation in the state.
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have in recent weeks intensified raids, patrols and intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling armed networks and restoring stability across Plateau communities.
Troops Intercept 11 Jerrycans of Suspected Smuggled Fuel in Adamawa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have intercepted 11 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, suspected to be smuggled to terrorist elements in Maiha Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the seizure was made at about 12:27 p.m. on June 26 by troops of the 247 Reconnaissance Battalion during a strangulation operation along the Maiha–Maiha Gari Road.
The sources said the smugglers abandoned the products and fled on sighting the troops, escaping into nearby bushes before they could be apprehended.
A total of 11 jerrycans containing Premium Motor Spirit were recovered from the scene.
The recovered petroleum products have been taken into military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Military sources said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation Hadin Kai to disrupt the supply of logistics to terrorist groups operating in the North-East by denying them access to essential commodities, including fuel.
The sources added that troops have continued to sustain intelligence-driven strangulation operations across the theatre to block terrorist supply routes and dismantle their support networks.
Troops Intercept 11 Jerrycans of Suspected Smuggled Fuel in Adamawa
Troops Neutralise 2 Terrorists, Recover Rifles, Ammunition in Kebbi Operations
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have neutralised 2 suspected terrorists and recovered arms, ammunition and motorcycles during separate offensive operations in Kebbi State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 2 established contact with terrorists at Sabarumawa on Friday during an offensive operation.
During the encounter, the troops nutrialised two terrorists and recovered two AK-47 rifles, 143 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, nine AK-47 magazines and one motorcycle.
Military sources said the operations formed part of the sustained offensive campaign aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves and denying criminal elements freedom of action across the North-West.
The sources added that troops have continued to maintain aggressive offensive operations across the theatre to sustain pressure on the fleeing terrorists and consolidate recent operational gains.
Troops Neutralise 2 Terrorists, Recover Rifles, Ammunition in Kebbi Operations
Troops Arrest Four Suspected Drug Peddlers, Recover Cannabis in Plateau Raid
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested four suspected illicit drug peddlers during a raid on a criminal hideout in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 10:30 p.m. on June 25 at the Congo Russia area of Jos North as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and curb drug-related activities in the state.
During the raid, troops arrested four suspects identified as Isah Mohammed, 20; Nura Kabil, 19; Hamisu Rabiu, 21; and Yakubu Mohammed, 35.
The troops also recovered quantities of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa from the suspects during the operation.
Sources said the suspects have been profiled and are currently in custody for further necessary action, while investigations are ongoing to uncover other members of the illicit drug network.
The operation forms part of sustained security efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to rid Plateau State of criminal elements and deny drug traffickers safe havens within the state.
Troops Arrest Four Suspected Drug Peddlers, Recover Cannabis in Plateau Raid
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