Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have arrested a dismissed police inspector, Danjuma Yusuf, suspected of leading an interstate arms trafficking network that supplies weapons to criminal groups involved in terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping across Nigeria. The arrest took place on Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Plateau State, following an intelligence-led operation by Sector 6 troops in collaboration with Headquarters Operation ENDURING PEACE. The suspect was intercepted while driving a white Peugeot vehicle from Jos South towards the Makera axis of Riyom Local Government Area. The operation was launched after credible reports surfaced about the movement of illegal arms across state boundaries.
During the search of the vehicle, security forces recovered two locally fabricated pistols, 167 rounds of 9mm ammunition, three cans of pepper spray, and a jack knife. Additional items seized included two mobile phones, two cutlasses, a police staff tag, photographs showing the suspect in police uniform, two ATM cards, a National Identification Number (NIN) card, and N73,300 in cash. These findings point to a well-organized criminal network with access to both weapons and official identification documents. Preliminary investigations confirmed the suspect’s identity as Inspector Danjuma Yusuf, who had previously served at Nigeria Police Force Base 7 in Abuja before being dismissed from service.
The Nigerian Army stated that intelligence suggests Yusuf is a key figure in an interstate arms trafficking syndicate that facilitates the flow of weapons to violent criminal elements. The network is believed to be actively involved in supplying arms to groups engaged in terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, which have contributed to rising insecurity in various parts of the country. The Army emphasized that the arrest is part of broader efforts to dismantle illegal arms networks and recover illicit weapons from criminal hands. The suspect remains in military custody and is undergoing intensive interrogation to uncover other members of the syndicate, including financiers and supply chain operators.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with other security agencies to combat evolving security threats. It also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or credible information to support ongoing operations. This arrest underscores the military’s proactive approach in addressing the root causes of insecurity, particularly the proliferation of illegal firearms. As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to reveal more details about the network’s operations and connections across states. This development highlights the importance of intelligence collaboration and public cooperation in sustaining national security.
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