Police nab two for illegal guns in Plateau

The police have arrested two suspects for allegedly having and selling illegal locally made firearms. They recovered two rifles, magazines, and ammunition during separate operations in Jos and Mangu local government areas in Plateau State.

Alfred Alabo, the spokesperson for the state command, said in a statement on Wednesday that the arrests were made after intelligence-led operations by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT). They worked with officers from the Bukuru Division.

He mentioned that the suspects "confessed to possessing and supplying the recovered firearms." He added that investigations are ongoing to find out where the weapons came from and to identify others in the network.

On 22 June, police arrested Yakubu Pam, 40, from Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. This happened at Miyango-Gyel, behind Building Materials in Jos, after they got credible information linking him to illegal firearm possession.

During questioning, Mr. Pam allegedly admitted to having a locally made firearm. He claimed he bought it for self-defense against attacks. Police recovered a locally made AK-47 rifle from him.

The suspect pointed out Abdulsalam Hassan, 19, from Kadunu in Mangu Local Government Area, as the supplier of the firearm. Police then arrested Mr. Hassan, who allegedly confessed to being a middleman. He said he got firearms from unknown sources and sold them for profit.

Officers also recovered a Type 06 rifle, two magazines, and 29 rounds of ammunition from him. Mr. Alabo said the case has been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for more investigation. They want to trace where the weapons came from and find other suspects involved in the arms trafficking network.

The Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, warned people against illegally possessing, selling, or using firearms. He said these actions are a serious threat to public safety.

He assured that the police are committed to breaking down criminal networks and protecting lives and property in the state. The arrests come as security agencies step up efforts to reduce violence in Plateau.