By Uzair Adam Imam
The Plateau State Government revealed on Monday that bandits operating in the Wase Local Government Area have handed over a significant number of AK47 rifles to the state authorities.
During a press briefing in Jos, the state capital, the Special Adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Security and Commander Operation Rainbow, Brigadier General Gakji Shippi, made this disclosure.
Shippi explained that the surrender of weapons followed extensive negotiations between the government and the bandits, showcasing a willingness to pursue peace through disarmament.
He clarified that the bandits didn’t directly surrender the firearms out of fear but through an intermediary involved in the negotiations.
He further mentioned that alongside the AK47 rifles, various other categories of weapons were also surrendered by the bandits, illustrating their commitment to the peace process.
Shippi emphasized that these efforts aim to encourage more bandits to voluntarily surrender their weapons, with ongoing steps to recover additional firearms from other groups.