Troops Kill Gunrunner, Recover Arms Hidden In Dashboard In Plateau

Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE, OPEP, have foiled an attempt to smuggle illicit arms through Zak Village in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.

During a stop-and-search operation on Friday, August 29, 2026, troops intercepted a green Volkswagen Golf for routine checks. A search revealed a specially fabricated compartment concealed in the dashboard.

When asked to open it, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush. Troops pursued and arrested him. While being restrained, the suspect attempted to disarm a soldier and was neutralised.

A further search of the compartment yielded two AK-47 rifles, one magazine, two wooden rifle butts, nine magazine pouches, two camel bags, six jungle hats, one mobile phone and one ATM card.

The Army said the recovery highlights ongoing efforts to disrupt the movement and proliferation of illegal weapons and deny criminal elements access to arms.

“The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, remains resolute in maintaining pressure on criminal elements and securing critical routes and communities across the country,” the statement said.

Troops will continue with robust stop-and-search operations and intelligence-driven actions to dismantle networks trafficking arms and other instruments of violence.

The public was urged to remain vigilant and provide credible information on suspicious movements to security agencies.