Nigerian Army Nabs Dismissed Police Inspector Over Interstate Arms Trafficking Network

Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have recorded a major breakthrough with the arrest of a suspected high-profile arms trafficker linked to an interstate illegal weapons syndicate.

The operation, driven by actionable intelligence, was carried out on Sunday, June 14, 2026, by troops of Sector 6 in collaboration with the Headquarters of Operation ENDURING PEACE.

The suspect was intercepted at a military checkpoint in Makera, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, while travelling in a white Peugeot vehicle from Jos South.

He had earlier been placed under surveillance following intelligence reports on the movement of illicit arms across state lines.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of:

* Two locally fabricated pistols
* 167 rounds of 9mm ammunition
* Three cans of pepper spray
* A jack knife

Other items recovered 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
* Cash sum of ₦73,300

Preliminary investigations identified the suspect as Danjuma Yusuf, a dismissed inspector formerly attached to the Nigeria Police Force Base 7, Abuja.

Security sources revealed that the suspect is believed to be a key figure in an interstate arms trafficking ring, allegedly supplying weapons to criminal groups involved in:

* Terrorism
* Banditry
* Kidnapping
* Other violent crimes

The suspect is currently in military custody as investigations continue to uncover his network, including collaborators, financiers, and supply routes.

The Nigerian Army said the arrest represents a significant disruption to illegal arms proliferation and highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations.

Authorities also urged the public to continue providing credible information to support ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and enhance national security.