Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN Arrest Two Gunrunners In Plateau, Recover More Weapons

Two notorious gunrunners identified as Matawal Bitrus and Thomas Benedict were apprehended with Two AK-47 Rifles, one Automatic Pistol, Two AK-47 magazines, and one Baretta Pistol Magazine. 

This follows previous arrest of 5 notorious gunrunners with automatic weapons and about 6,000 rounds of assorted ammunition at Bayameni along Bauchi Road in Jos North LGA of Plateau State on 17 September 2024. 

A statement by the Military Public Information Officer, Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major Samson Zhakom said the troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN conducted follow up operations in Bokkos Town, Bokkos LGA of Plateau State on 18 September 2024. 

During the intelligence-based sting operations, security agencies busted another criminal syndicate while finalizing transactions for sales of arms and ammunition amounting to Five Million Naira (N5,000,000.00) at Banana Island Hotel in Bokkos. 

The suspects have been taken into custody for interrogation with a view to extracting information in order to arrest other members of the gunrunning syndicate on the run. It is the latest arrest of gunrunners and recovery of arms and ammunition from both Jos North and Bokkos LGAs confirms the assertion that criminality is not defined by any ethno-religious boundary. 

The statement said it has been proven that the proliferation of firearms is a major driver of security threats, and Operation SAFE HAVEN expressed its readiness in conjunction with other security agencies to clamp down on individuals carrying out this illegal act.  

The good people of Plateau, Bauchi and Southern Kaduna are enjoined to continue furnishing security agencies with credible information towards arresting criminal elements in order to ensure a crime-free environment. 

For prompt responses to any security threats, Operation SAFE HAVEN said activated toll free line; 08000020203 remains available 24hrs every day and also for the passage of information assuring promptness of response.

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