Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a husband and wife allegedly involved in supplying weapons to terrorist groups operating in the North-West region.
The suspects, identified as Mr. Abdullahi Balarabe (40) and his 18-year-old wife, Shafaatu Abdullahi, were apprehended at a snap checkpoint in Saminaka, Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Spokesman for the military task force, Major Samson Zhakom, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Tuesday night.
According to him, the operation that led to their arrest followed actionable intelligence from an intelligence agency based in Plateau State.
During the operation, troops recovered 1,207 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, believed to be destined for armed groups in the North-West.
The statement read: “In a coordinated operation to enhance security across the Joint Operations Area, troops of the Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, in collaboration with Sector 1 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, 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 on the outskirts of Saminaka, 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 7.62mm (Special) ammunition 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 aimed at dismantling the wider gunrunning network.”
The statement further quoted the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander, JTF OPEP, Maj. Gen. Folusho Oyinlola, as commending the troops for their bravery, vigilance, and proactive efforts.
“This successful operation underscores the critical importance of inter-agency cooperation in combating criminal activities,” Oyinlola stated.
He assured residents of Plateau State and the surrounding regions of the task force’s sustained commitment to restoring peace and security.
“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,” he added.