Crime
Troops intensify crackdown on gunrunners fuelling banditry in Plateau
Troops intensify crackdown on gunrunners fuelling banditry in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
In the fight against the hydra-headed menace of banditry, troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have recorded a major breakthrough in Plateau, neutralising a notorious gunrunner and recovering a cache of arms and ammunition.
The feat, achieved between Sept. 4 and 6, highlights the military’s growing resolve to dismantle the criminal logistics networks that have long sustained armed violence in the North-Central.
The gunrunner, described as a “high-value target” by security sources, had allegedly played a critical role in supplying bandits with rifles, magazines, and other logistics across Plateau and neighbouring states.
His neutralisation, officials say, has dealt a heavy blow to the illicit supply chain that has prolonged insecurity in the region.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that credible intelligence led troops to track the suspect to a hideout where he was receiving treatment for gunshot wounds on Sept. 4. He was swiftly apprehended and later confessed to his role as a logistics supplier, even agreeing to lead troops to his arms cache.
Two days later, on Sept. 6, troops launched a follow-up operation at the identified hideout. The mission, however, was anything but routine. As troops closed in, they came under heavy fire from the suspect’s gang members, resulting in a fierce exchange.
In the chaos, the gunrunner attempted to escape but was neutralised by the troops’ superior firepower. His cohorts, badly shaken by the encounter, fled the scene with gunshot wounds.
The troops subsequently combed the area, uncovering the concealed weapons: two AK-47 rifles and two magazines, which are now in custody.
The recovery, though modest in numbers, represents something bigger in the larger security equation: the deliberate targeting of supply chains that keep bandits armed and emboldened.
The bandit gangs rely not only on local recruits but also on a shadowy network of financiers, informants, and arms dealers. By dismantling this network, the military is effectively cutting off the oxygen that sustains criminal groups.
Troops intensify crackdown on gunrunners fuelling banditry in Plateau
Edo: Seven suspected bandits arrested along Benin-Agbor Road
By: Zagazola Makama
Seven suspected bandits were arrested along the Benin–Agbor Road in Edo State during stop-and-search operations, security sources confirmed.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects, all Fulani youths, were intercepted after being offloaded from a truck at about 1800 hours on 2 December 2025. A search revealed pictures of assault rifles, including AK-47s, on their mobile phones.
Upon interrogation, the suspects claimed to have travelled from Adamawa State. Investigations are ongoing for the possible recovery of actual firearms and to determine their involvement in criminal activities.
Security agencies have urged members of the public to report any suspicious movements to help prevent criminal acts in the area.
Edo: Seven suspected bandits arrested along Benin-Agbor Road
Army troops rescued Kidnapped Reverend in Miango, arms recovered
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian army Troops have successfully rescued a kidnapped clergyman, Reverend Ephraim Yakubu, in Miango axis of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the victim was abducted in front of his residence at Agingi Village along the Rukuba Road on 3 December 2025.
Troops on a clearance patrol around the high grounds in the Miango axis engaged the kidnappers on 4 December at about 0740 hours, forcing them to flee.
Reverend Yakubu was found tied under a rock in the area and sustained injuries during captivity.
Security personnel also recovered one fabricated rifle with a magazine containing eight rounds of 9mm ammunition from the scene.
The victim was immediately evacuated to the 3 Military Specialist Hospital (3 DMSH) for medical attention.
Efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing kidnappers.
Army troops rescued Kidnapped Reverend in Miango, arms recovered
Bauchi Youth dies after fight during naming ceremony in Warji
By: Zagazola Makama
A 20-year-old man, Haruna Haruna of Kwata Village, Warji Local Government Area, Bauchi State, has reportedly died following a violent altercation during a naming ceremony on 2 December 2025.
Zagazola understands that a misunderstanding among some youths at the ceremony escalated into a physical fight, leaving the victim in a comatose state.
He was rushed to General Hospital, Warji, but later died while receiving medical attention.
Police operatives have arrested one Gambo Yobe, 20, in connection with the incident.
Bauchi Youth dies after fight during naming ceremony in Warji
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