Nigerian Troops Arrest ‘Notor!ous Gunrunners,’ Rec0ver Over 1,200 Rounds Of Ammunition In Kaduna
Following the arrest, the suspects and the seized ammunition were taken into custody for further investigation and follow-up actions aimed at dismantling the broader gunrunning network.
Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP), in collaboration with Sector 1 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), have arrested two “notorious gunrunners” and recovered a cache of ammunition during a coordinated security operation in Kaduna State.
The operation, conducted on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, followed actionable intelligence from an intelligence agency in Plateau State.
The suspects, identified as Mr. Abdullahi Balarabe (40) and his wife, Shafaatu Abdullahi (18), were intercepted at a snap checkpoint manned by the joint troops on the outskirts of Saminaka in Lere Local Government Area.
This is contained in a statement released on Tuesday by Media Information Officer, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, who disclosed that the troops recovered 1,207 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, believed to be destined for armed groups operating in the North West region.
Following the arrest, the suspects and the seized ammunition were taken into custody for further investigation and follow-up actions aimed at dismantling the broader gunrunning network.
The statement read, “In a coordinated operation to enhance security across the Joint Operations Area, troops of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) in collaboration with that of Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) tracked and apprehended two notorious gunrunners on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
“The suspects, Mr. Abdullahi Balarabe (40) and his wife, Shafaatu Abdullahi (18), were intercepted at a snap checkpoint established by the joint troops of JTF OPEP and OPFY at the outskirts of Saminaka in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
“The operation, prompted by auctionable intelligence from an intelligence agency in Plateau State, led to the recovery of 1,207 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition. The ammunition was believed to be bound for armed groups operating in the North West.
“Following their arrest, the suspects and the recovered ammunition are in own custody for further investigation and follow-up action to dismantle the wider gunrunning network.”
Samson added, “Major General Folusho Oyinlola, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander JTF OPEP, commended the troops for their bravery, vigilance, and proactive efforts.
“This successful operation underscores the critical importance of inter-agency cooperation in combating criminal activities, Major General Oyinlola stated. He assured the residents of Plateau State that JTF OPEP remains resolute in its commitment to restoring lasting peace and security.
“We will not relent in our efforts to eradicate the activities of terrorists and criminal elements, thereby fostering a secure environment where peace and prosperity can thrive.”
