Plateau Crisis: Soldiers Arrest Two With AK-47 Rifle

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace, a multi-security task force deployed to maintain stability in Plateau State, have arrested two suspects in possession of an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during stop-and-search operations across flashpoints in Jos North and Jos South local government areas.

The arrests come amid heightened security measures following recent attacks in Anguwan Rukuba and other parts of the state, which reportedly claimed over 30 lives.

Disclosing the development in a statement on Saturday, the operation’s spokesperson, Captain Polycarp Oteh, said the intensified operations are aimed at curbing escalating tensions within the Jos metropolis.

“In a proactive move to prevent further escalation of the ongoing crisis in Jos North, troops of Operation Enduring Peace initiated a comprehensive stop-and-search exercise across the Jos metropolis on Friday. This strategic intervention is part of a broader mandate to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of lives and property within the state.

“The heightened security presence yielded immediate results, as troops successfully intercepted and arrested two suspects and recovered one fabricated AK-47 rifle, four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and one pump-action firearm, along with a cutlass.

“The arrests and recoveries were made during targeted operations conducted across key flashpoints and transit routes, including Jos North and Jos South, along Dadinkowa, Old Airport Junction, Tudun Wada, and the State Low-Cost Housing Estate,” the statement added.

Captain Oteh further disclosed that troops also foiled an attack by gunmen at a cattle market in Yelwa, Shendam Local Government Area.

“In a related development, troops responded swiftly to a distress call over sporadic gunfire in the Yelwa cattle market area of Shendam. Upon arrival, the unidentified gunmen retreated into nearby bushes under sustained tactical pressure. During a follow-up sweep, troops discovered two local residents who had sustained gunshot wounds,” he said.

The command reiterated its commitment to maintaining a strong security presence across the state, assuring residents that operations will continue until the threat of violence is fully neutralised.(Daily trust)