Operation ENDURING PEACE Intercepts Suspected Arms Dealer Linked to Terror, Banditry Networks

Operation ENDURING PEACE Intercepts Suspected Arms Dealer Linked to Terror, Banditry Networks

Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have arrested a dismissed police inspector allegedly linked to an interstate arms trafficking syndicate suspected of supplying weapons to terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups operating across Nigeria.

The suspect, identified as Danjuma Yusuf, was apprehended during an intelligence-led operation carried out by troops of Sector 6 in collaboration with the Headquarters of Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau State.

In a statement issued on Sunday, June 14, 2026, the Nigerian Army described the arrest as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal arms networks fueling insecurity in the country.

According to the Army, the operation followed credible intelligence regarding the movement of illicit weapons across state lines.

Yusuf, who was reportedly travelling in a white Peugeot vehicle from Jos South Local Government Area toward the Makera axis of Riyom Local Government Area, was placed under surveillance before being intercepted at a military checkpoint in Makera.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols, 167 rounds of 9mm ammunition, three cans of pepper spray and a jack knife.

Other items allegedly found in his possession included two mobile phones, two cutlasses, a police staff identification tag, photographs of the suspect in police uniform, two ATM cards, a National Identification Number (NIN) card and cash amounting to N73,300.

The Army said preliminary investigations identified the suspect as Inspector Danjuma Yusuf, formerly attached to Police Base 7 in Abuja, who had been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force.

"Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have recorded a major operational success with the arrest of a suspected high-profile arms trafficker linked to an interstate illegal weapons network," the statement read.

It added that further intelligence suggested Yusuf was a key figure in an interstate arms trafficking syndicate allegedly supplying weapons to criminal elements involved in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The suspect is currently in military custody, where further interrogation is ongoing to uncover the full extent of the alleged network, including its associates, financiers and supply channels.

The Army noted that the arrest represents a significant disruption of illegal arms trafficking activities and highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-driven military operations aimed at curbing the proliferation of illicit weapons.

It reaffirmed its commitment, alongside other security agencies, to safeguarding lives and property while sustaining offensive operations against threats to national security.

The military also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore lasting peace across affected communities.