Troops of Operation Ensuring Peace (OPEP) have arrested five suspected illegal arms fabricators and recovered a cache of weapons during a raid in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The Nigerian Army disclosed this in an operational report released on Friday, stating that the operation took place on Thursday at approximately 3:00 p.m. in the Vom area, following credible human intelligence regarding the activities of illegal arms manufacturers in the locality.
According to the report, troops executed a well-coordinated raid on two identified fabrication sites, where the suspects were caught in the act of producing illegal weapons.
“During the operation, five suspects were arrested, while troops recovered nine fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally fabricated pistol, seven skeleton AK-47 rifles, four empty magazines, and ten rifle butt stocks,” the military statement read.
Other items recovered included 36 empty shells of 7.62mm special ammunition, four revolver components, 14 recoiling springs, six hand drilling machines, nine filing machines, four welding machines, and various assorted tools used for arms fabrication.
The report added that the suspects and recovered exhibits are currently in custody pending further investigation. It also noted that follow-up covert operations are ongoing to consolidate gains and dismantle remaining illegal arms networks within the Plateau operational environment.
According to the military, the operation forms part of sustained efforts by OPEP to curb illicit arms proliferation and strengthen peace and security in the North-Central region.
