Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP), in collaboration with Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), have arrested two notorious gunrunners and recovered a large cache of ammunition during a coordinated security operation in Kaduna State.
According to a statement released by the Media Information Officer, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, the operation was conducted on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, after actionable intelligence was obtained from an agency in Plateau State.
The suspects, identified as Mr. Abdullahi Balarabe (40) and his wife, Shafaatu Abdullahi (18), were intercepted at a snap checkpoint on the outskirts of Saminaka in Lere Local Government Area. Troops recovered 1,207 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition believed to be destined for armed groups in the North West region.
Major Zhakom confirmed that both suspects and the seized items have been taken into custody for further investigation and to trace the wider gunrunning network.
Commending the troops, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of JTF OPEP, praised their vigilance and professionalism. He emphasized that the success of the operation highlights the value of inter-agency collaboration in tackling insecurity.
Oyinlola reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring peace and stability across the North, stating that efforts to dismantle criminal networks would continue until terrorists and their collaborators are completely neutralized.
