by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
In an aggressive drive to curb activities of gunrunners and banditry networks in the Joint Operations Area, troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) have reportedly neutralized a notorious gunrunner and recovered a cache of weapons in Plateau State.
The miscreant, who has been known to be a key figure in supplying arms, ammunition, and logistics to a banditry syndicate, had been a long-sought target of security agencies.
A statement by the Media Information Officer JTF Operation Enduring Peace, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, said, “While acting on credible intelligence, troops tracked the gunrunner to his hideout, where he was apprehended, on 4 September 2025, while receiving treatment for prior gunshot wounds.
“Following his arrest, the miscreant confessed to his role as a logistics supplier and agreed to lead troops to recover his arms cache.
According to the statement, “On 6 September 2025, as troops approached the hideout, they encountered members of the gunrunner’s gang, sparking a fierce firefight.
“During the gun battle, the miscreant attempted to escape amidst the chaos, but troops swiftly responded, neutralising him in the process. The superior firepower of the troops forced the remaining criminals to flee in disarray, sustaining gunshot wounds.
“Following the engagement, troops combed the area and exploited the hideout, resulting in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles and two AK-47 magazines, which are currently in custody. Follow-up operations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the criminal syndicate.
“The Troops of 3 Division/JTF OPEP will continue to dominate its Joint Operations Area to deny the terrorists freedom of actions, while maintaining aggressive posture against the none-state actors.
“In a similar development, following the arrest of an armed militia in possession of one AK-47 rifle and 11 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition at Kaskra in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State on 4 September 2025, by troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, the militia confessed to participating in multiple criminal activities in Barkin-Ladi general area, and volunteered to lead troops to the hideout of his cohorts to recover weapons.
Also on 5 September 2025, troops conducted follow-up operations to the hideout to recover cache of arms and ammunition. However, the militia during the conduct of the search operations made a desperate attempt to snatch the rifle of a soldier to effect his escape, but troops acted swiftly and neutralised the militia in the process. The remains of the criminal has been deposited in the morgue.
“Troops of 3 Division/JTF OPEP are leading the charge against armed criminals, and will not relent until the entire Joint Operations Area is fully secured from these miscreants.”