Police Arrest Two Over Illegal Firearms In Plateau

Police in Plateau State have arrested two suspects over alleged illegal possession and sale of locally fabricated firearms, including a locally made AK-47 rifle.

The state command said the arrests followed intelligence-led operations by the Intelligence Response Team and officers from Bukuru Division. The suspects were named as Yakubu Danladi Pam, 40, from Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, and Abdulsalam Mohammed Hassan, 19, of Kadunu in Mangu Local Government Area.

According to the police account reported by Vanguard and Premium Times, Pam was arrested on June 22 at Miyango-Gyel in Jos after intelligence linked him to illegal firearm possession. Police said he claimed he bought the weapon for personal protection.

Investigators later arrested Hassan, who was alleged to have acted as a middleman by obtaining firearms from unknown suppliers and selling them for financial gain. Police said a Type 06 rifle, two magazines and 29 rounds of ammunition were recovered from him.

Commissioner of Police Bassey Ewah warned residents against illegal possession, sale and use of firearms, while the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

Sources: Vanguard, Premium Times