Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have recorded a breakthrough in the fight against illicit weapons proliferation following the arrest of a suspected high-profile arms trafficker linked to an interstate syndicate.
The operation, which took place on Sunday, June 14, 2026, was executed by troops of Sector 6 in collaboration with Headquarters Operation ENDURING PEACE.
Acting on credible intelligence regarding the movement of illicit arms across state lines, operatives launched a coordinated, intelligence-led ambush.
The suspect was placed under close surveillance while travelling in a white Peugeot vehicle from Jos South toward the Makera axis in the Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. Military personnel successfully intercepted the vehicle at a checkpoint in Makera.
A thorough search of the vehicle yielded a significant cache of weapons and tactical gear. Security forces recovered two locally fabricated pistols, 167 rounds of 9mm ammunition, three cans of pepper spray, a jackknife, and two cutlasses.
Additionally, troops recovered two mobile phones, two ATM cards, a National Identification Number (NIN) card, $\text{N}73,300$ in cash, a police staff tag, and photographs of the suspect in a full police uniform.
Preliminary investigations have identified the suspect as Danjuma Yusuf, a former Inspector with the Nigeria Police Force Base 7, Abuja, who had previously been dismissed from service.
Intelligence reports flag Yusuf as a key distributor within a wider interstate arms trafficking network.
He is alleged to have been supplying weapons to criminal elements driving terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across the region.
“His arrest marks a significant disruption of illegal arms trafficking networks and underscores the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-driven military operations aimed at curbing the proliferation of illicit weapons,” a military spokesperson stated.
Yusuf remains in military custody, where interrogation is ongoing to map out the entirety of his network, including key associates, financiers, and supply chains.
The Nigerian Army has reiterated its commitment to working alongside sister security agencies to safeguard lives and property.
Authorities continue to urge members of the public to provide timely and credible information to assist in dismantling criminal networks and restoring lasting peace to the region. #Securitynewsalert.com
