Troops of the Quick Response Force (QRF) of Operation ENDURING PEACE on Thursday successfully busted 2 illegal arms manufacturing factories in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Chinonso Oteh, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
Mr Oteh said the well-coordinated raid operation was part of the ongoing efforts by Operation ENDURING PEACE to cut off the supply chain of illicit firearms and safeguard law-abiding citizens within its Joint Operations Area (JOA).
He said the operation, which was the result of a highly intensified, comprehensive human intelligence gathering and strategic surveillance, led to the discovery of 2 illegal arms manufacturing sites.
During the precision operation, he said troops arrested five suspects caught in the act of fabricating lethal weapons.
He explained that a comprehensive search of the sites led to the recovery of a 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.
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“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,” the statement said.
Mr Oteh added that the suspects and recovered items are currently in custody for further exploitation and detailed investigation.
“While troops are currently consolidating the ongoing covert operation to mop up the remnants of arms and ammunition already in circulation, Operation ENDURING PEACE appreciates the support of the citizenry and urges them to be more vigilant and report suspicious activities of criminal elements to security agencies,” the statement said.
