Nigerian Army Busts Plateau Arms Syndicate, Declares District ‘Criminal Enclave’ (Photos)

The 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army, alongside Operation Safe Haven, has classified Fan district in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State as a criminal stronghold, following substantial arms and ammunition seizures in recent operations.

Major A. I. Danja, Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 3 Division, made this declaration at Fan on Wednesday while parading seven suspects linked to the killing of a senior immigration officer and assistant commander of Sector 4 of OPSH in Barkin Ladi LGA.

The late Assistant Sector Commander, Christopher Luka, was shot in the district while leading an operation to dismantle a gunrunners’ hideout in Sangasa village last week.

During the operation, Major Danja said, “The team arrested seven suspects and recovered both automatic and locally fabricated weapons, as well as various calibres of ammunition from Ratas, Ratoso and Sangasa villages in Fan District.”

“The seized items included 16 AK-47 rifles, 16 fabricated AK-47 rifles, 15 Dane guns, 16 AK-47 magazines, 1 drum magazine with a 75-round capacity, 250 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 2 cartridges, 2 packets of gunpowder, and 7 motorcycles.

 “The substantial recoveries from Fan District within a week further confirm that the area is a criminal enclave,” Major Danja emphasised.

The Nigerian Army has also declared four individuals wanted in connection with the killing of the immigration officer. “Efforts are underway to apprehend criminals involved in illicit activities in Fan District and surrounding areas.

“The wanted suspects include Mr Timothy Zakka Dung (aka Timaya), Mr Sam P. Dachun Job, and Yakubu Ishaku. Citizens with pertinent information about their whereabouts are urged to contact the nearest security outpost,” Major Danja said.