Troops raid illegal weapon factories in Plateau, arrest 5 suspects

Troops have uncovered illegal weapon manufacturing factories in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, leading to the arrest of five suspects during a coordinated security operation.

According to security sources, the suspects were apprehended on Wednesday after operatives of the Quick Response Force (QRF) under Headquarters Operation Safe Haven carried out a joint raid in the Vom community.

The operation was reportedly successful after weeks of intelligence gathering and covert surveillance by security personnel monitoring activities in the area.

“According to the sources, the operation targeted two separate illegal arms manufacturing sites where the suspects were allegedly caught in the act of fabricating weapons for attacks and silent killings,” Makama said.

“Items recovered during the raid included nine fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally made pistol, four empty magazines, seven skeleton AK-47 rifles and 10 rifle butts.

“Troops also recovered 36 empty shells of 7.62mm special ammunition, four revolver engines, 14 recoiling springs, six hand drilling machines, nine filing machines, four welding machines and other tools used for weapon fabrication.”

Security sources told the publication that the operation followed extensive intelligence efforts to track illegal arms networks and weapon-making groups operating in communities across Plateau state.

The suspects and the weapons recovered during the raid have been taken into custody for further investigation.

“Security sources said ongoing covert operations were being intensified to track other illegal arms manufacturers and recover weapons proliferated across Plateau State,” Makama said.

“The latest discovery comes amid renewed attacks and reprisals in parts of Plateau, particularly in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas, where communities have witnessed recurring violence involving armed groups, militias and criminal elements.”

Quoting sources, the publication said the facility was the third illegal arms factory discovered within the last three weeks.

“Security assessments indicate that while attacks in Plateau are often attributed solely to suspected Fulani militias or bandits,” the report added.

“Several armed groups within local communities, including ethnic Berom militias, have also been implicated in series of attacks, reprisals, attack on mining sites, illegal possession of firearms and violent attacks.