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Security operatives under Operation Enduring Peace have uncovered and dismantled two illegal arms manufacturing factories in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, in what authorities describe as a major breakthrough against the circulation of illicit firearms in the region.
The operation was carried out on Thursday by troops of the Quick Response Force (QRF) following what military authorities described as “highly intensified, comprehensive human intelligence gathering and strategic surveillance.”
According to a statement signed by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, the raid formed part of ongoing efforts to disrupt illegal weapons supply networks and improve security across the Joint Operations Area.
During the operation, troops reportedly arrested five suspects who were allegedly caught manufacturing weapons at the illegal facilities. Security personnel also recovered a large cache of arms, weapon components, and industrial equipment believed to have been used in the fabrication of firearms.
Items recovered from the sites include nine fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally made pistol, four empty AK-47 magazines, seven skeletal AK-47 rifles, and ten rifle butts. Troops also recovered 36 empty shells of 7.62mm special ammunition, four revolver engines, and 14 recoiling springs.
Authorities said several industrial tools used in weapon fabrication were also seized, including six hand drilling machines, nine filing machines, four welding machines, and other assorted equipment.
The military task force noted that efforts are ongoing to “mop-up the remnants of arms and ammunition already in circulation” within the area.
The operation comes as security agencies continue to intensify actions against illegal arms proliferation and violent crimes across Plateau State and neighbouring communities affected by recurring attacks and insecurity.
The Army also appreciated the support of residents and called on members of the public to remain vigilant by reporting suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.
