Troops of Operation Safe Haven in Plateau State have once again made a breakthrough in their fight against gunrunning. On Saturday, two notorious gunrunners were arrested in Bokkos Local Government Area while attempting to sell ammunition worth N5 million.
This latest success comes just 72 hours after the arrest of five other gunrunners in Bayameni, along Bauchi Road in Jos North LGA, where automatic weapons and 6,000 rounds of assorted ammunition were recovered.
According to a statement released by Major Samson Zhakom, the spokesman for Operation Safe Haven, the two suspects—Matawal Bitrus and Thomas Benedict—were apprehended during an intelligence-led sting operation at Banana Island Hotel in Bokkos. The operation foiled a major arms deal, leading to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, one automatic pistol, two AK-47 magazines, and a Baretta pistol magazine.
“The suspects are now in custody and are being interrogated to gather information that could lead to the arrest of other members of the gunrunning syndicate,” the statement said. It also emphasized that the latest arrests demonstrate that criminality transcends ethno-religious boundaries, describing it as a “common enemy” that must be tackled collectively.
Operation Safe Haven reaffirmed its commitment to combating illegal firearms proliferation, which it identified as a key driver of security threats. The statement urged residents of Plateau, Bauchi, and Southern Kaduna to continue providing security forces with credible information to ensure a crime-free environment.
For quick responses to security concerns, citizens are encouraged to use the newly activated toll-free line, 08000020203, available 24/7. “We remain ready to act promptly on any credible threats,” the statement concluded.