Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP) have apprehended a couple accused of being major arms suppliers to terrorist groups operating in the North West region of the country.
The suspects, identified as 40-year-old Abdullahi Balarabe and his 18-year-old wife, Shafaatu Abdullahi, were intercepted by troops at a checkpoint in Saminaka, located in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Confirming the arrest in a statement on Tuesday, the spokesperson for the task force, Major Samson Zhakom, said the operation followed credible intelligence provided by an intelligence agency in Plateau State.
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He explained that the troops recovered a total of 1,207 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, believed to be intended for delivery to armed groups operating across the North West.
The statement read, “In a coordinated operation to enhance security across the Joint Operations Area, troops of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) in collaboration with that of Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) tracked and apprehended two notorious gunrunners on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
“The suspects, Mr. Abdullahi Balarabe (40) and his wife, Shafaatu Abdullahi (18), were intercepted at a snap checkpoint established by the joint troops of JTF OPEP and OPFY at the outskirts of Saminaka in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
“The operation, prompted by actionable intelligence from an intelligence agency in Plateau State, led to the recovery of 1,207 rounds of 7.62 mm (special) ammunition. The ammunition was believed to be bound for armed groups operating in the North West.
“Following their arrest, the suspects and the recovered ammunition are in our custody for further investigation and follow-up action to dismantle the wider gunrunning network.”
The General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander JTF OPEP, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, commended the troops for their vigilance and swift response during the operation.
“This successful operation underscores the critical importance of inter-agency cooperation in combating criminal activities,” Oyinlola stated.
The commander further assured residents of Plateau State and surrounding areas that JTF OPEP remains committed to ensuring peace and stability in the region.
“We will not relent in our efforts to eradicate the activities of terrorists and criminal elements, thereby fostering a secure environment where peace and prosperity can thrive,” Oyinlola added.
