Troops Arrest Dismissed Police Officer Over Gunrunning In North Central Nigeria

Troops in Plateau State arrest dismissed police inspector linked to alleged interstate arms trafficking network and recover weapons and ammunition.

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested a dismissed police officer, identified as Inspector Danjuma Yusuf, over his alleged involvement in gunrunning activities and an interstate illegal arms trafficking network in North Central Nigeria.

The Nigerian Army, in a statement posted on its verified social media platforms, said the arrest followed credible intelligence regarding the movement of illicit weapons across state lines. Acting on the intelligence, troops of Sector 6, in collaboration with Headquarters Operation Enduring Peace, carried out a coordinated intelligence-led operation on 14 June 2026.

According to the Army, the suspect was travelling in a white Peugeot vehicle from Jos South towards the Makera axis in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State when he was identified and placed under surveillance. He was subsequently 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. Troops also recovered 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 investigations revealed that the suspect was a former Inspector in the Nigeria Police Force before being dismissed from service. Further intelligence reportedly identified him as a key figure in an interstate arms trafficking syndicate allegedly responsible for supplying weapons to criminal elements involved in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The Army disclosed that the suspect remains in military custody, where further interrogation is ongoing to unravel the network’s operations, including its associates, financiers and supply channels.

The arrest, the Army noted, represents a significant blow to illegal arms trafficking networks and highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-driven military operations aimed at curbing the proliferation of illicit weapons.

It added that the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, remains committed to protecting lives and property while sustaining offensive operations against threats to national security. The public was also urged to continue providing timely and credible information to support efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore lasting peace.