PLATEAU POLICE RECOVER GPMG, AK-47 AFTER SUSPECTS FLEE INTO FOREST

The Plateau State Police Command has recovered a General Purpose Machine Gun and an AK-47 rifle during an operation targeting suspected armed criminals in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state.

The operation was carried out by personnel of the 81 Police Mobile Force following intelligence on the activities of suspected bandits operating around Kafi Abu.

According to the command, the police team moved into the bush area at about 8:23pm on Friday, August 28, 2026, under the leadership of the Commander of the 81 PMF, Bassa. The operatives were acting on information regarding the presence and activities of the suspected criminals in the area. 

The suspects reportedly fled into the surrounding forest after sighting the approaching police personnel, abandoning the firearms they were carrying.

A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of one GPMG bearing breech number T1102-20CH00007, identified as a SARSILMAZ SAR762 MT, as well as an AK-47 rifle with breech number 1968M117479. 

The police said the recovery was significant in its efforts to disrupt the activities of armed groups operating in the state and prevent them from acquiring the capacity to launch attacks on communities and residents.

Following the operation, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Ayodeji Faniyan, ordered the deployment of additional personnel to the area.

The move is aimed at maintaining pressure on the fleeing suspects and preventing them from regrouping or carrying out further criminal activities within the locality.

The police command has also commenced investigations into the incident and efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspects who escaped into the forest.

CP Faniyan commended the officers involved in the operation, describing their actions as a demonstration of bravery and commitment to protecting residents and maintaining security across Plateau State.

He said the command would continue to rely on intelligence-driven operations and proactive policing to disrupt criminal activities before they escalate into attacks.

The Commissioner also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with useful information about suspicious persons, movements and activities in their communities.

The command stressed that cooperation between residents and security agencies remains important in tracking criminal elements and preventing armed groups from establishing hideouts in vulnerable communities.

The latest recovery adds to ongoing efforts by security agencies to tackle banditry and other violent crimes in Plateau State, where several communities have faced security challenges.

Police authorities said operations would continue as efforts intensify to apprehend the fleeing suspects and ensure the recovered weapons are kept out of the hands of criminal groups.