Commander of the Special Task Force (STF) in charge of security in Jos and environs, Major General Rogers Nicholas, has arrested 16 suspected illegal arms manufacturers in Kereng village, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to Nicholas, two military personnel were injured in the course of arresting the suspects.

He said his task force patrol vehicle was destroyed by youths, who also attacked and sacked a military checkpoint. 

Said he: “We arrested 16 youths from Kereng community, Mangu Local Government Area of the Plateau State, in connection with the manufacturing of illegal local arms and ammunition. Five of them have been released and 11 others are still in our custody. One of them, who wanted to resist arrest was shot in the leg.”

Nicholas said the local government chairman had taken responsibility of repairing the task force’s vandalized vehicle, while the community leader has mobilized some youths to restore the vandalized checkpoint. He debunked reports that four youths in the community were shot, saying only one police officer who was with his men was injured.

Village head of Panyam, Chief Aminu Derwam, expressed shock over the youths’ action.

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STF arrests 16 illegal arms manufacturers in Plateau