…As Police arrest two suspects over illegal firearms trafficking
A joint security patrol team has foiled an attempted security breach at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, killing an armed suspect and recovering an AK-47 rifle.
Authorities described the operation as another test of security at the strategic institution following the recent attack that claimed the lives of three security personnel.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Alfred Alabo, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Plateau State Command and made available to Journalists on Thursday in Jos said the incident occurred at about 11:23 p.m. on Wednesday when security personnel on routine patrol within the institute spotted an armed man lurking near the facility’s first gate.
According to the statement, the suspect opened fire on the patrol team on sighting the operatives, who returned fire and overpowered him.
The latest incident comes weeks after armed attackers invaded the NIPSS premises, killing three security officers, an attack that prompted security authorities to strengthen surveillance and deploy a joint security patrol comprising personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the military and other security agencies to safeguard the institution.
The statement said the suspect was neutralised during the exchange, while an AK-47 rifle bearing Breech No. 1969003173 was recovered from his possession.
It said the body had been deposited in a hospital morgue for autopsy in line with due process, while preliminary investigations indicated the deceased suspect belonged to a notorious criminal syndicate.
Security operatives, the statement added, have intensified efforts to identify and apprehend other members of the gang.
“The Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, CP Bassey Ewah, commended the police, military and other security personnel for their gallantry and swift response, saying it prevented what could have become another serious security breach at one of Nigeria’s foremost strategic institutions”, the statement said.
It added that the CP reassured residents that security across Plateau State remains robust and urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious persons or activities to security agencies.
Police arrest two suspects over illegal firearms trafficking
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Police Command has also arrested two suspects over the alleged illegal possession and sale of firearms, recovering a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, a Type 06 rifle, two magazines and 29 rounds of ammunition during separate operations linked to the investigation.
The development was disclosed in a press statement signed by Alfred Alabo, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) and made available to Journalists on Thursday in Jos.
According to the statement, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), working with officers from Bukuru Division, arrested 40-year-old Yakubu Danladi Pam of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area at Miyango-Gyel in Jos on June 22, 2026, following intelligence reports linking him to illegal possession of firearms.
The statement said, “During an interview, the suspect confessed to having a locally fabricated firearm, which he claimed he acquired for personal protection against attacks. He further disclosed that the firearm was purchased from one Abdulsalam Mohammed Hassan, a 19-year-old male from Kadunu, Mangu Local Government Area. One locally fabricated AK-47 rifle was recovered in his possession.”
It added, “Following further investigation, our detectives traced and arrested the said Abdulsalam Mohammed Hassan, who confessed to selling the firearm to Yakubu Danladi Pam, adding that he operates as a middleman who receives firearms from unknown sources and supplies them to interested buyers in exchange for money. One Type 06 rifle with two magazines and 29 rounds of ammunition was recovered from him.”
The Command said the case is under investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department CID) to uncover the source of the firearms and identify other suspects.
It quoted Bassey Ewah, the Commissioner of Police, as warning against the illegal possession, sale and use of firearms, stressing that the Command remains committed to protecting lives and property while dismantling criminal networks across Plateau State.
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