Operatives of the Nigerian Army in a joint security operation have tracked and arrested notorious gunrunners operating along the outskirts of Saminaka in the Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, an operation which led to the recovery of firearms bound for insurgent groups operating in the northwest.

This was disclosed in a Wednesday statement signed by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force of the Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom.

The statement reads, “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 those 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 actionable 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.”

The statement further disclosed that the suspects have been taken into custody for further investigation.

“Following their arrest, the suspects and the recovered ammunition are in their own custody for further investigation and follow-up action to dismantle the wider gunrunning network,” the statement concluded.

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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.

  1. TVC previously reported that. suspected drug pushers have reportedly abandoned their vehicle and shipment after sighting the troops of the Nigerian Army during a routine stop and search conducted around Akwanga Local Government Area in Nasarawa State.

This was disclosed in a Wednesday statement signed by the Acting Media Information Officer of the Operation WHIRL STROKE 14, Joint Task Force Headquarters, Ahmad Zubairu.

According to the statement, the syndicates were driving in an ash-coloured Toyota Solara with a Lagos State registration number KJA-108FY, conveying several bags of substances suspected to be marijuana.

Drug Dealers Abandon Vehicle As Troops Intensify Operation In Nasarawa