By Asuquo Cletus Felix
Troops of Operation Safe Haven have arrested five notorious gunrunners and recovered a cache of firearms and ammunition in Jos, Plateau State.
The operation, which took place in the early hours of September 17, 2024, was carried out by troops who raided the hideout of a suspected gunrunner, Mohammed Sani, at Naraguta Mining Area in Bayameni along Bauchi Road in Jos North Local Government Area.
According to a statement released by Major Stephen Nantip Zhakom, Military Public Information Officer, Operation Safe Haven, the troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, one Fabrique Nationale automatic rifle, fourteen AK-47 magazines, one Fabrique Nationale magazine, 5,316 rounds of 7.62 MM (Special), Ninety-Eight rounds of 7.62 MM (NATO), and 43 rounds of 9 MM.
The suspects according to the statement are currently undergoing interrogation to provide useful intelligence that will aid in arresting other members of the syndicate and decimating the gunrunning supply chain.
Major Zhakom stated that the operation was part of Operation Safe Haven’s core mandate to mop up illegal arms and ammunition in the Joint Operations Area.
“Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN in pursuance of one of its core mandate of mopping up illegal arms and ammunition in the Joint Operations Area, arrested 5 notorious gunrunners and recovered arms and ammunition in an intelligence-driven operation carried out in Plateau State.
“The operation commenced from midnight of 16 Sep 24 to the early hours of 17 Sep 24. The troops raided the hideout of a gunrunner identified as Mohammed Sani at Naraguta Mining Area in Bayameni along Bauchi Road in Jos North LGA of Plateau State during which the suspected gunrunner and 4 others were arrested. Weapons and ammunition of different calibres were also recovered”.- The statement reads in part.
The Nigerian Army also assured that it will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of citizens.
