- Safiu Kehinde
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have arrested a dismissed police officer linked to an interstate arms trafficking syndicate in Plateau State.
The dismissed officer identified as Danjuma Yusuf was apprehended on Sunday at Makera axis of Riyom Local Government Area of the state.
Danjuma was considered a high-profile arms trafficker responsible for movement of illicit arms across state lines.
This was made known in a statement issued on the Nigerian Army’s official X handle yesterday.
The army, in the statement, recounted how the troops had intercepted Danjuma at a military checkpoint in Makera after credible intelligence report.
“Acting swiftly, troops of Sector 6, in collaboration with Headquarters Operation ENDURING PEACE, executed a coordinated intelligence-led operation on Sunday, 14 June 2026.
“The suspect, travelling in a white Peugeot vehicle from Jos South towards the Makera axis in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, was identified, placed under surveillance and intercepted at a military checkpoint in Makera.” The statement partly read.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols, 167 rounds of 9mm ammunition, three cans of pepper spray and a jack knife.
Other items found in his possession include two mobile phones, two cutlasses, a police staff tag, photographs of the suspect in police uniform, two ATM cards, a National Identification Number (NIN) card and cash amounting to N73,300.
Preliminary findings revealed that Danjuma was an Inspector of Nigeria Police Force Base 7, Abuja, who had been dismissed from service.
Further intelligence indicates that the suspect is a key figure in an interstate arms trafficking syndicate, allegedly supplying weapons to criminal elements involved in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The army said he had since been detained while describing his arrest as a significant disruption of illegal arms trafficking networks.
“He is currently in the custody of the troops where further interrogation is ongoing to uncover his network, including associates, financiers and supply channels.
“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.” It said.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment, in collaboration with other security agencies, to safeguarding lives and property while sustaining offensive operations against all threats to national security.
It urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support efforts at dismantling criminal networks and restoring lasting peace.