The Plateau State Police Command has arrested two men accused of illegally trading in firearms and recovered weapons during coordinated operations in Jos. Officers from the Intelligence Response Team and Bukuru Division seized a locally made AK-47 rifle, another rifle, two magazines and 29 rounds of ammunition during the arrests, the command announced Wednesday.
Police Public Relations Officer SP Alfred Alabo disclosed the operation in a statement. The first suspect, 40-year-old Yakubu Danladi Pam from Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, was arrested on June 22 at Miyango-Gyel behind Building Materials in Jos following intelligence reports.
During interrogation, Pam told investigators he kept the locally fabricated firearm for self-defence against armed attacks. He named 19-year-old Abdulsalam Mohammed Hassan from Kadunu in Mangu Local Government Area as the person who sold him the weapon.
Police recovered the homemade AK-47 from Pam's possession. Hassan was subsequently arrested after investigators traced the supply chain.
Hassan admitted he operated as a middleman in the illegal firearms trade, according to the police account. He told investigators he sourced weapons from unknown suppliers and resold them to customers for profit.
Authorities recovered a Type 06 rifle, two magazines and 29 rounds of ammunition from Hassan. Both men are now in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department.
The investigation continues to identify where the firearms originated and to uncover other people involved in the trafficking ring. Police said they're pursuing leads to dismantle the network completely.
Commissioner of Police Bassey Ewah warned the public against illegal gun ownership, sales and use. He said such activities endanger public safety and security across Plateau State.
Ewah pledged the command remains focused on protecting residents and dismantling criminal networks. He reaffirmed efforts to maintain order statewide and prevent further weapons trafficking.
