Troops of the Operation Safe Haven and 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, Plateau State, have arrested five suspected gunrunners in Bayameni community of Jos North Local Government Area of the state.

The division’s Media and Information Officer, Maj. Samson Zhakom, made the disclosure to journalists disclosed on Tuesday in Jos.

Mr Zhakom said troops also recovered various types of arms and ammunition during the operation.

He said, “Troops of OPSH and 3 division in pursuance of one of its core mandates of mopping up illegal arms and ammunition, arrested five notorious gunrunners and recovered arms and ammunition in an intelligence-driven operation in Plateau. During the operation, which lasted between September 16 and 17, troops raided the hideout of a notorious gunrunner, Mohammed Sani, at Naraguta mining area, Bayameni, along Bauchi Road in Jos North LGA. Troops also arrested the suspected gunrunner alongside four others, and recovered weapons and ammunition of different calibre. Some of the weapons include two AK-47 rifles, one fabrique nationale automatic rifle, 14 AK-47 magazines and one fabrique nationale magazine.’’

The media officer added that other weapons recovered included 5,316 rounds of 7.62 MM (Special), 98 rounds of 7.62 MM (NATO) and 43 rounds of 9 MM.

He said the suspects were currently under interrogation, adding that efforts were being intensified toward arresting other members of the group.

Mr Zhakom commended the Plateau residents for their support, calling for more collaboration toward addressing insecurity in the state.

(NAN)