Police arrest two suspects over illegal firearms possession and trafficking in Plateau

The Plateau State Police Command has arrested two suspects over the illegal possession and sale of firearms in separate intelligence-led operations, recovering a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and another rifle with ammunition.

The spokesperson for the command, SP Alfred Alabo, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

According to the statement, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), in collaboration with officers of Bukuru Division, arrested 40-year-old Yakubu Danladi Pam of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on June 22, 2026, at Miyango-Gyel, behind Building Materials in Jos.

The arrest followed credible intelligence linking the suspect to the unlawful possession of firearms.

During interrogation, Pam reportedly confessed to possessing a locally fabricated firearm, claiming he acquired it for personal protection against attacks. 

He also disclosed that he purchased the weapon from 19-year-old Abdulsalam Mohammed Hassan of Kadunu, Mangu Local Government Area.

Police said a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle was recovered from Pam during the operation.

Further investigations led detectives to Hassan, who was subsequently arrested. 

The suspect allegedly admitted selling the firearm to Pam and confessed that he acted as a middleman, obtaining firearms from unidentified suppliers and selling them to interested buyers for financial gain.

A Type 06 rifle, two magazines and 29 rounds of ammunition were recovered from Hassan during the arrest.

The police said the case is under investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to uncover the source of the firearms and identify other members of the criminal network.

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 serious threat to public safety and security.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state while sustaining efforts to dismantle criminal networks and enhance public safety.