The Plateau State Police Command has arrested two suspected arms traffickers over the alleged illegal possession and sale of firearms, recovering a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, another rifle, two magazines and 29 rounds of ammunition.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo.
According to the statement, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), working alongside officers of the Bukuru Division, arrested a 40-year-old suspect, Yakubu Danladi Pam, from Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, at Miyango-Gyel, behind Building Materials in Jos, on June 22, following intelligence linking him to the alleged illegal possession of firearms.
Police said Pam told investigators he had a locally fabricated firearm, claiming he acquired it for personal protection against attacks.
According to the statement, Pam also told investigators that he bought the weapon from Abdulsalam Mohammed Hassan, 19, from Kadunu in Mangu Local Government Area.
The police said a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle was recovered from Pam.
The command added that further investigation led to the arrest of Hassan, who allegedly confessed to selling the firearm to Pam.
According to police findings, Hassan told investigators he served as a middleman, sourcing firearms from unidentified suppliers and selling them to buyers for profit.
Police said a Type 06 rifle, two magazines and 29 rounds of ammunition were recovered from Hassan.
The command stated that both suspects are currently in the custody of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), where investigations are ongoing to trace the source of the firearms and uncover other members of the suspected arms trafficking network.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, CP Bassey Ewah, warned members of the public against the illegal possession, sale and use of firearms, describing such activities as a major threat to public safety and security.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property while intensifying efforts to dismantle criminal networks across the state.