ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Troops of the 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP) have uncovered a cache of arms and ammunition during a raid on a notorious bandits’ hideout in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Media Information Officer of Operation Enduring Peace, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, who said the operation followed credible intelligence reports that criminal elements were stockpiling weapons in the area.
According to Major Zhakom, the troops stormed the hideout of a notorious bandit in Rawaya Village, near Kazok, but the suspect reportedly fled moments before the soldiers arrived.
He said a thorough search of the location led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, one revolver pistol, four AK-47 magazines, three G3 magazines, 1,198 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, four rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, three mobile phones, and other sundry items.
Zhakom added that the recovered arms and materials are currently in military custody for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and his accomplices.
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The statement read: “As part of efforts by security agencies to break the chain of illegal arms dealing and proliferation, credible intelligence confirmed the stockpiling of arms and ammunition by bandits in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.
“Following this discovery, troops of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) raided the hideout of a notorious bandit at Rawaya Village close to Kazok in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State. The suspect fled shortly before troops arrived at the hideout.
“However, a thorough search at the hideout led to the discovery of Two AK-47 rifles, One G3 rifle, One revolver pistol, Four AK-47 rifle magazines, Three G3 rifle magazines, One Thousand One Hundred and Ninety-Eight rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition, Four rounds of 7.62 mm (NATO) ammunition, Three mobile phones, and other sundry items.
“The recovered items are in custody for further action. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing bandit and his collaborators.”
Zhakom assured that Operation Enduring Peace would remain firm and decisive in its campaign against criminal elements in the state.
“Operation ENDURING PEACE will remain decisive in its onslaught against criminal elements, while efforts to keep the Joint Operations Area safe will also be sustained,” he added.
The raid forms part of ongoing military operations across Plateau State aimed at dismantling criminal networks, recovering illegal weapons, and restoring lasting peace in communities affected by banditry and armed violence.