Nigerian Army Busts Arms Manufacturing Factory In Plateau, Arrests Two Suspects, Recovers 10 Automatic Weapons

The Nigerian Army has said that its troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have busted and dismantled an illegal weapon manufacturing factory in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. 

According to a statement issued by the army headquarters on Saturday, during the operation which was based on actionable intelligence, the troops arrested two suspects and recovered over 20 cache of automatic weapons. 

“The discovery of the weapon factory was also the result of a meticulously executed intelligence-led operation conducted by the troops leading to the substantial recovery of a cache of automatic weapons and related equipment that were being produced and distributed to other states thereby fuelling the crisis on the Plateau and in Southern Kaduna. 

“The recovered items include 6 AK-47 rifles, 4 submachine guns, 11 AK rifle bodies, a pistol and 7 x AK-47 bridge blocks. Others include 4 x AK 47 rifle magazines, 210 recoil springs for AK 47 rifles, 7 rifle butts, 8 rifle muzzles, 9 piston assemblies as well as 5 cartridge housings. 

“Also recovered were one drilling machine set, and a hand filling machine. In addition to the seizure of the weapons and weapon fabricating equipment, two individuals directly involved in the weapon proliferation and marketing process, Micheal Dung 33 years and Yusuf Pam 43 years were both apprehended,” part of the statement read.

According to the Army, the leadership of OPSH working in close coordination with law enforcement agencies, will continue to ensure those responsible for perpetuating criminal activities and their collaborators face the full wrath of the law. 

“These arrests send a clear message that illegal arms production and trafficking will not be tolerated and anybody involved will be held accountable for their actions. 

“The successful operation further demonstrates the unwavering commitment of OPSH to rid the Joint Operations Area of illegal arms and dismantle criminal networks involved in illegal weapon manufacturing and distribution in line with the mandate given to troops during the launch of Operations Hakorin Damisa IV by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TA Lagbaja.

“The recovery of such a significant number of firearms and related equipment will undoubtedly disrupt the activities of criminal elements and contribute to the overall security and stability of Plateau State and indeed the entire nation which remains the primary focus of the Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa. 

“The GOC and Commander OPSH, Major General A.E. Abubakar, while commending the troops' resilience, expresses his gratitude to the community for their continued support and cooperation in providing valuable information that has aided the fight against criminal activities,” the statement added.

The army stated that the collaboration between the military and the public was crucial in ensuring the success of operations aimed at maintaining peace and security in Plateau State and by extension Nigeria, adding that OPSH remains resolute in its commitment to protect the lives and property of all law-abiding citizens.