Troops Arrest Gunrunning Couple with 1,207 Rounds
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE, in collaboration with Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have arrested a notorious husband-and-wife gunrunning duo and recovered over 1,200 rounds of live ammunition during a joint security operation in Kaduna State.
The coordinated operation, conducted on Wednesday, 8 October 2025, followed credible intelligence from an intelligence agency in Plateau State, which tracked the movement of the suspects — identified as Mr. Abdullahi Balarabe (40) and his wife Mrs. Shafaatu Abdullahi (18).
According to a statement by Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Operation ENDURING PEACE, the suspects were intercepted at a snap checkpoint jointly manned by troops of the two operations at the outskirts of Saminaka in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
“Upon a thorough search of the suspects’ vehicle, troops discovered a total of 1,207 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition concealed in the vehicle,” the statement noted. Preliminary investigations revealed that the ammunition was being transported to supply armed groups operating across the Northwest.
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The statement added that the arrested suspects and the recovered ammunition are currently in custody for further investigation and follow-up operations aimed at dismantling the wider arms trafficking network that has continued to fuel insecurity in the region.
Reacting to the development, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, commended the troops for their bravery, vigilance, and swift execution of the mission. He emphasized that the success of the operation highlights the importance of inter-agency collaboration and intelligence sharing in tackling the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
“This operation underscores our resolve to choke criminal supply lines and ensure that no group or individual undermines the peace and stability of our region,” Major General Oyinlola said. “We remain committed to restoring lasting peace and will not relent until the activities of terrorists and criminal elements are completely neutralized.”
He further assured residents of Plateau, Kaduna, and adjoining states that security agencies remain proactive and determined to ensure a safe environment for peace and prosperity to thrive.
By PRNigeria
