Nigerian Army Busts Illegal Weapon Manufacturing Factory, Recovers Weapons
By Matthew Atungwu
Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) forces have made significant progress in finding and demolishing an illicit weapons production facility located in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State.
Based on actionable intelligence, the operation represents a major advancement in OPSH’s ongoing efforts to prevent the proliferation of illicit weapons and guarantee the safety and security of the state and its surroundings.
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 cache of automatic weapons and related equipment that were being produced and distributed to other states thereby fuelling crisis on the Plateau and in Southern Kaduna.
The recovered items include 6 AK-47 rifles, 4 sub-machine 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.
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The OPSH leadership will continue to make sure individuals who are in charge of continuing illegal activity and their allies face the full force of the law by closely collaborating with law enforcement agencies.
These arrests make it very evident that the production and trafficking of illicit weapons will not be permitted and that those responsible will face consequences for their acts.
According to the directive given to troops during the launch of Operations HAKORIN DAMISA IV by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TA Lagbaja, 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 of weapons.
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 AE 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 collaboration between the military and the public is crucial in ensuring the success of operations aimed at maintaining peace and security in Plateau State and by extension Nigeria.
OPSH is unwavering in its resolve to safeguard the lives and belongings of all law-abiding individuals. The hunt for and destruction of illicit weapons production facilities as well as the dismantling of criminal networks engaged in the proliferation of armaments will not abate. We implore the public to exercise caution and to report any suspicious activity or persons to the proper authorities. We can all live in a safer and more secure Nigeria if we work together.