Troops operating in Plateau State have uncovered illegal arms factories and arrested at least five suspects believed to be involved in the fabrication and supply of locally made weapons. The raids mark a significant step in ongoing efforts to disrupt the flow of illicit arms fuelling violence and criminality in parts of the North Central region.
According to reports, troops under Operation Enduring Peace and related joint task forces stormed clandestine arms manufacturing hubs in areas including Langtang North Local Government Area. During one of the operations in Gwandanu village, soldiers found a fully equipped workshop where suspects were caught in the process of fabricating sophisticated firearms.
Items recovered from the sites included at least two AK 47 rifles, a G3 rifle and other finished or semi finished weapons. Troops also seized equipment such as generating sets, welding and drilling machines, hand filers and comprehensive toolboxes allegedly used in producing the illegal arms.
Initial raids led to the arrest of two suspected fabricators on the spot, while follow up operations and pursuit of fleeing accomplices resulted in more arrests. In total, security sources say five suspects linked to the arms factories and wider militia networks are now in custody for further interrogation.
Subsequent searches of hideouts tied to the group yielded additional weapons, including AK 47 and AK 49 rifles, a motorcycle and other logistics items believed to support their activities. Investigators are now working to map out the distribution chain of the fabricated arms and identify possible links to communal violence and bandit groups in nearby communities.
Military authorities have vowed to sustain mop up operations across Plateau and neighbouring states to locate remaining illegal factories and recover locally made guns. They urged residents to provide timely and credible information on suspicious activities, stressing that dismantling arms fabrication centres is critical to restoring lasting peace in the region.
About the author
US waives Iran sanctions as Trump warns Tehran
The United States has waived sanctions on Iran for 60 days following the first round of talks linked to a new peace agreement. The waiver is part of an early step meant to ease tensions and support the talks. It allows Tehran to resume limited oil sales and receive payments during the 60-day period. US President Donald Trump said he would take action if Iran fails to respect the terms of the deal. He warned that Washington would respond if Tehran does not keep its side of the agreement. The move marks a temporary shift in US policy toward Iran and comes as both sides test the fragile peace process.
South African police probe murder of foreign national
South African police are investigating the murder of a foreign national in Pietermaritzburg after fresh fears of xenophobic attacks in the area. Police said a murder case has been opened and the circumstances surrounding the killing are still being examined. A local councillor said the victim was a 29-year-old Malawian national who was attacked after a protest on Friday. According to police, the man was found near a riverbank with injuries to his head and mouth. Authorities have not yet confirmed the motive for the attack. The incident comes as hundreds of Malawians reportedly gathered in the area to arrange repatriation, following concerns about violence targeting foreign nationals. The case has renewed attention on xenophobia in South Africa and the safety of migrants living in affected communities.
Asake and Wizkid’s MMS hits 100 million Spotify streams
Asake and Wizkid’s hit collaboration MMS has crossed 100 million streams on Spotify, marking a major global milestone for the Afrobeats stars.yorubafm+1 The achievement was revealed by a music tracking platform, which reported that MMS has now joined the Spotify 100 million streams club. The track has enjoyed strong streaming numbers since its release and continues to perform well with listeners in Nigeria and around the world.brandiconimage+3 Reports indicate that MMS is Asake’s eighth song and Wizkid’s 17th song to reach or surpass the 100 million streams benchmark on Spotify across all credits. The feat underlines the growing influence of both artists on the global Afrobeats scene and their ability to consistently deliver popular records.meiza+1 Music fans and industry watchers see the new milestone as further proof of Afrobeats’ expanding reach on international digital platforms. With MMS now above 100 […]
England and Ghana target last 32 as Portugal seek boost
England and Ghana are both aiming to secure a place in the World Cup last 32 when they meet in a Group L clash on Tuesday. England opened their campaign with a strong 4-2 win over Croatia, while Ghana began with a 1-0 victory over Panama. Both sides now sit on three points and know that another win could take them through to the knockout stage. The match is expected to be closely contested because both teams are in good position to qualify. England will be looking to build on their opening performance, while Ghana will hope to continue their strong start. In another major storyline from the tournament, Portugal are hoping to get their campaign back on track after a disappointing opening result. The team is under pressure to respond quickly and improve their chances of reaching the next […]
El-Rufai to file no-case submission as DSS closes case
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is expected to file a no-case submission after the Department of State Services closed its case in his alleged phone tapping trial. The development came during a hearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The prosecution informed the court that it would not call any more witnesses, which officially brought its case to an end. El-Rufai’s lawyer told the court that the defence would now challenge the case by arguing that the evidence presented was not enough to require the former governor to enter a defence. The matter has been adjourned for further proceedings, including the filing of the no-case submission. The case continues to draw public attention because it involves a former governor, the DSS, and allegations linked to phone interception and national security.
US deports Nigerian after domestic violence convictions
The United States has deported a Nigerian man after multiple criminal convictions, including domestic violence and other offences. According to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the man remained in the country after entering on a student visa nearly two decades ago. Authorities said he later built up a long criminal record that included domestic violence, trespassing, intimidation, obstruction, kidnapping, rape, and family neglect. ICE said the deportation was part of its ongoing enforcement against foreign nationals with serious criminal histories. The agency said the case shows the consequences of remaining in the country unlawfully while also committing repeated crimes. The development has drawn attention because it involves both immigration violations and violent offences. It also highlights the role of US authorities in removing non-citizens with serious criminal records from the country.
Related
South African police probe murder of foreign national
South African police are investigating the murder of a foreign national in Pietermaritzburg after fresh fears of xenophobic attacks in the area. Police said a murder case has been opened and the circumstances surrounding the killing are still being examined. A local councillor said the victim was a 29-year-old Malawian national who was attacked after a protest on Friday. According to police, the man was found near a riverbank with injuries to his head and mouth. Authorities have not yet confirmed the motive for the attack. The incident comes as hundreds of Malawians reportedly gathered in the area to arrange repatriation, following concerns about violence targeting foreign nationals. The case has renewed attention on xenophobia in South Africa and the safety of migrants living in affected communities.
El-Rufai to file no-case submission as DSS closes case
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is expected to file a no-case submission after the Department of State Services closed its case in his alleged phone tapping trial. The development came during a hearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The prosecution informed the court that it would not call any more witnesses, which officially brought its case to an end. El-Rufai’s lawyer told the court that the defence would now challenge the case by arguing that the evidence presented was not enough to require the former governor to enter a defence. The matter has been adjourned for further proceedings, including the filing of the no-case submission. The case continues to draw public attention because it involves a former governor, the DSS, and allegations linked to phone interception and national security.
US deports Nigerian after domestic violence convictions
The United States has deported a Nigerian man after multiple criminal convictions, including domestic violence and other offences. According to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the man remained in the country after entering on a student visa nearly two decades ago. Authorities said he later built up a long criminal record that included domestic violence, trespassing, intimidation, obstruction, kidnapping, rape, and family neglect. ICE said the deportation was part of its ongoing enforcement against foreign nationals with serious criminal histories. The agency said the case shows the consequences of remaining in the country unlawfully while also committing repeated crimes. The development has drawn attention because it involves both immigration violations and violent offences. It also highlights the role of US authorities in removing non-citizens with serious criminal records from the country.
Ebola cases rise above 1,000 in Congo
Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo have now passed 1,000, according to health updates from regional health authorities. The outbreak is being caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola and is affecting parts of the country’s north-eastern region. Health officials say the situation remains serious, with more cases and deaths still being reported as surveillance and testing continue. The World Health Organization has already described the outbreak as a public health emergency that requires strong international coordination. Response teams are working to isolate confirmed cases, trace contacts, and support treatment efforts in affected areas. Officials have warned that the virus may spread further if the response is delayed or if communities do not seek care early. Health workers are also urging people to avoid contact with the sick, follow hygiene measures, and report symptoms quickly.
Court remands Sowore in Kuje Correctional Centre over cybercrime charge
Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore at the Kuje Correctional Centre in the Federal Capital Territory. Justice Mohammed Umar of the court ruled that Sowore should remain in custody until Wednesday, when proceedings will resume on a two-count cybercrime charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS). The charges centre on a social media post in which Sowore called President Bola Tinubu a “criminal”. The case has attracted public attention because of Sowore’s prominence as a long‑time human rights activist, former presidential candidate, and publisher of Saharareporters. His arrest and remand have also raised concerns about freedom of expression and the use of cyberspace laws against critics of the government. Sowore was previously remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre in 2021 over a similar social media […]
Troops kill two bandits, arrest four suspects in Kaduna
Troops operating in Kaduna State have killed two suspected bandits and arrested four others during a series of recent operations targeting criminal gangs in the state. The operations were carried out in identified flashpoints where bandits have been attacking rural communities and highways. In one of the operations, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA disrupted an attempted attack through a swift ambush in the Maraban Rido general area, neutralising at least one armed suspect and forcing others to flee. In a separate, intelligence‑led raid, security operatives also arrested four suspected bandits in Tayu, Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The suspects, identified as Abdumumini Abubakar, 40, Maikano Gambo, 47, Saleh Thompson, 47, and Oyonyi Odango, 40, were apprehended by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department – Special Tactical Squad on March 7, 2026. During the arrest, the team recovered a […]