Yuletide Security: Troops Nab Gunrunner, Seize 1,400 Rounds of Ammunition in Plateau

JOS, NIGERIA — In a major breakthrough aimed at ensuring a violence-free Christmas and New Year season, the Nigerian Army has intensified its crackdown on illegal arms trafficking in Plateau State. On Friday, December 19, 2025, troops of the 3 Division and Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) intercepted a massive cache of ammunition and dismantled a criminal hideout in two separate local government areas.

​The most significant capture occurred at a “snap checkpoint” in Mairana, Mangu Local Government Area. Acting on high-level intelligence provided by a tactical team from a sister intelligence agency, troops intercepted an individual transporting two boxes packed with 1,400 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.

​The suspect, identified in local reports as a youth allegedly linked to a wider arms-trafficking syndicate, was immediately taken into custody. Security sources indicate that the recovery of such a large quantity of specialized ammunition—commonly used in AK-47 rifles—has likely disrupted a planned attack or a supply chain for bandits operating in the region.

​Earlier that same morning, the military took the fight to the Gwender Village in Bokkos Local Government Area. During a dawn raid on a suspected criminal enclave, the suspects managed to flee into the surrounding hills just before the troops arrived. However, a meticulous search of the premises yielded a fabricated AK-47 rifle, a magazine, a locally made pistol, and various calibers of loose ammunition.

​Speaking on the breakthroughs, the Media Information Officer for JTF Operation Enduring Peace, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, emphasized that the military is currently on the trail of the fleeing suspects and other members of the syndicate.

​”These operations are part of our sustained efforts to rid the Joint Operations Area of illicit weapons and guarantee a hitch-free yuletide celebration,” Major Zhakom stated. “We remain resolute in our commitment to safeguarding lives and property on the Plateau.”

​The latest successes come at a critical time for the state. Recent data from Amnesty International highlights a surge in violence in Plateau, with reports suggesting over 2,500 people have been killed in various clashes between May and November 2025. Localities such as Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin Ladi remain flashpoints for conflict, often involving land disputes and retaliatory attacks.

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​Major Zhakom urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting the military with timely, credible information. “The cooperation of the public is our strongest weapon in maintaining the hard-earned peace in these communities,” he added.

​As of Sunday morning, the arrested suspect remains in military custody as investigations continue to determine the final destination of the seized 1,400 rounds of ammunition.