Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have arrested two men attempting to purchase an AK-47 rifle for N1.45 million.
The arrest, described as a major breakthrough in the fight against illegal arms trade, occurred on Friday in Bokkos Town, Plateau State.
The suspects, identified as 31-year-old Kenneth Mayas and 60-year-old Bulus Yilfo, were caught red-handed during a covert military sting operation.
Both men hail from Forop District in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Authorities say they were negotiating the illegal arms deal at the White House Hotel in Bokkos Town when the troops swooped in.
“The operation was carefully planned to corner the suspects and stop the transaction before the weapon exchanged hands,” an unnamed military source revealed.
How the Arrest Happened
The Nigerian military, acting on intelligence, set up the operation to expose the criminal syndicate believed to be involved in gunrunning.
A reliable informant tipped off the authorities, leading to meticulous planning and execution of the sting.
By posing as intermediaries, troops were able to lure the suspects into completing the deal.
At the moment of exchange, the soldiers stormed the location, apprehending the men and recovering the cash sum of N1.45 million.
“This was a textbook operation to thwart a potential threat to security in Plateau State,” the source said.
Gunrunning Syndicate Unmasked
The suspects are alleged members of a broader syndicate responsible for supplying illegal weapons to criminal groups in the region.
Zagazola Makama, a renowned counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region, confirmed the arrests on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
“The suspects were caught with N1.45 million meant for the purchase of an AK-47 rifle,” Makama stated in his post.
He added that the duo is now in custody as interrogations continue to unearth details about their network.
“The money and the suspects have been secured, and efforts are ongoing to track other members of this dangerous syndicate,” Makama said.
Plateau’s Security Challenges
This operation shines a light on the persistent security challenges in Plateau State and the surrounding region.
The area has witnessed an upsurge in armed conflicts, often fuelled by the proliferation of illegal weapons.
Experts believe the availability of arms exacerbates communal clashes and banditry in the state.
In recent years, the government has launched various initiatives, including Operation Safe Haven, to restore peace in the troubled region.
Despite these efforts, incidents of gunrunning and violent crimes have continued to pose a threat.
“This arrest highlights the urgent need for intensified operations to cut off the supply chain of illegal arms,” a security analyst told our correspondent.
Voices of Concern
Residents in Plateau State have expressed mixed feelings about the arrests.
While some hailed the military’s efforts, others called for more proactive measures to prevent weapons from entering the region.
“We appreciate the troops’ action, but we need to ask why these criminals are still finding ways to buy weapons,” said a resident of Barkin Ladi, who chose to remain anonymous.
Another community leader stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of insecurity.
“It’s not just about arrests,” he said. “The government must tackle poverty, unemployment, and injustice, which drive people into crime.”
Military’s Commitment to Safety
Operation Safe Haven, responsible for the sting operation, has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Plateau State from criminal activities.
In a statement, the task force promised to intensify efforts to dismantle syndicates involved in illegal arms trade.
“This arrest sends a clear message to criminal elements that they have no hiding place,” the statement read.
The military also appealed to citizens to continue providing intelligence that can help track down criminals.
“We rely on the cooperation of the public to ensure lasting peace in Plateau State and beyond,” the spokesperson added.
A Call for Stronger Border Control
Security experts have called for stricter border control to prevent the inflow of illegal arms into Nigeria.
Most illegal weapons in the country are believed to originate from neighbouring countries through porous borders.
“There must be more robust border security and regional cooperation to stem the tide of gunrunning,” said retired military officer Captain John Dikko.
He further suggested that the government invest in advanced surveillance technologies to monitor illegal activities.
