Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP), have arrested two suspected gunrunners and recovered more than 1,200 rounds of live ammunition during a security operation in Kaduna State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Media Information Officer of the operation, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, said the suspects — Abdullahi Balarabe, 40, and his wife, Shafaatu Abdullahi, 18 — were intercepted on Wednesday, October 8, at a snap checkpoint in Saminaka, Lere LGA.
According to the statement, the arrest followed credible intelligence from an agency in Plateau State, which led troops of JTF OPEP to collaborate with personnel of Sector 1, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) in tracking the suspects.
“The operation led to the recovery of 1,207 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition believed to be destined for armed groups operating in the North-West region,” the statement said.
Zhakom added that the suspects and the seized ammunition are currently in custody for further investigation and follow-up operations aimed at dismantling the wider gunrunning network.
The General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of JTF OPEP, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism.
He noted that the success of the operation highlights the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling insecurity across the region.
“This successful operation underscores the critical importance of intelligence sharing and cooperation between security agencies in combating criminal activities,” Oyinlola said.
He assured residents of Plateau and Kaduna states that the task force remains committed to eliminating terrorists and criminal networks threatening peace in the region.
“JTF OPEP will not relent in its efforts to ensure that citizens can live, farm, and trade in peace,” the commander added.
