Soldiers arrest couple supplying weapons to terrorists in Kaduna
Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP) have arrested a husband and wife accused of supplying weapons to terrorists in the North West region.
It was gathered that the suspects, Abdullahi Balarabe (40) and his wife, Shafaatu Abdullahi (18), were apprehended at a checkpoint in Saminaka, Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
In a statement on Tuesday, Major Samson Zhakom, Spokesman for the military task force, confirmed the arrest of the two suspects.
According to Zhakom, the operation that led to their arrest was prompted by actionable intelligence from an intelligence agency in Plateau State.
He said during the operation, the troops recovered 1,207 rounds of 7.62 mm (special) ammunition, believed to be bound for armed groups operating in 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 auctionable 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 statement quoted the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander JTF OPEP, Major General 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.
The commander assured residents of Plateau State that JTF OPEP remains committed to restoring lasting 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,” Oyinlola added.
