The Nigerian Army troops codenamed Operation Enduring Peace have arrested five suspects behind the fabrication of lethal weapons manufacturing factories in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The Captain
Media Information Officer of Troops of Quick Response Force (QRF) Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh explained that the suspects were arrested on Thursday.
The coordinated raid operation, according to him, was part of the ongoing efforts by Operation ENDURING PEACE aimed at guarding of law abiding citizens within its Joint Operations Area and cutting off the supply chain of illicit firearms.
A comprehensive search of the sites led to recovery of significant cache of weaponry and industrial equipment. Items recovered include, 9 fabricated AK 47 rifles, one locally fabricated pistol, 4 empty AK 47 magazines, 7 skeletal AK 47 rifles and 10 rifle butts by the troops.
Other items recovered are 36 empty shells of 7.62mm special, 4 revolver engines, 14 recoiling springs, 6 hand drilling machines, 9 filing machines, 4 welding machines and assorted industrial equipment.
He revealed that the suspects and recovered items are currently in custody for further exploitation and detailed investigation.
The Army said troops are currently consolidating the ongoing covert operation in order to mop-up the remnants of arms and ammunition already in circulation.
The statement also appreciated the support of the citizenry and urged them to be more vigilant and report suspicious activities of criminal elements to security agencies.
“During the precision operation, troops arrested 5 suspects caught in the act of fabricating lethal weapons, the statement in part said.
“A comprehensive search of the sites led to recovery of significant cache of weaponry and industrial equipment. Items recovered include, 9 fabricated AK 47 rifles, one locally fabricated pistol, 4 empty AK 47 magazines, 7 skeletal AK 47 rifles and 10 rifle butts”, it further said.
