Troops Arrest Suspected Gunrunner, Wife in Kaduna
October 15, 2025 | Jos
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace (JTF–OPEP) have arrested a suspected gunrunner and his wife in Saminaka, Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, in a coordinated security operation. http://defence.gov.ng/nigerian-army/
Major Samson Zhakom, Media Officer of the operation, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Wednesday in Jos. He explained that the suspects, aged 40 and 18, were apprehended on October 8, 2025, through the combined efforts of JTF–OPEP and Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY).
According to Zhakom, the arrest followed actionable intelligence from a sister security agency in Plateau State, which prompted the troops to mount a snap checkpoint at the outskirts of Saminaka. The operation, he said, was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security across the joint operations area covering Plateau, Kaduna, and Bauchi States.
“In a coordinated operation to enhance security across the Joint Operations Area, troops of JTF–OPEP, in collaboration with OPFY, tracked and apprehended two notorious gunrunners,” Zhakom stated.
“The suspects were intercepted at a snap checkpoint established by the joint troops at the outskirts of Saminaka in Lere LGA.”
He added that the operation led to the recovery of 1,207 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, believed to be destined for armed groups operating in the North-West region.
“The suspects and other recovered items are currently in custody undergoing further investigation,” he confirmed.
Zhakom emphasized that the successful arrest underscored the military’s commitment to curbing arms trafficking and restoring peace in volatile parts of northern Nigeria.
The Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace (JTF–OPEP), was established to maintain stability and protect communities in Plateau, Kaduna, and Bauchi States, working in synergy with other operations and intelligence agencies. http://gmtnewsng.com
