Troops of the Nigerian Army have uncovered an illegal weapons factory in Plateau State, arresting one suspect and recovering a cache of arms and ammunition.
The raid, which took place on September 17 in Heipang District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, was carried out by troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace following credible intelligence.
Spokesman of the task force, Major Samson Zhakom, confirmed the operation in a statement on Thursday.
He said, “During the intelligence-based operation, troops arrested a weapon fabricator while others fled the factory before troops arrived in the area. A thorough search of the illegal factory led to the recovery of the following items: twelve assorted fabricated weapons, one fabricated pistol, nineteen rounds of PKT ammunition, twelve cartridges, ten rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition, ten rounds of 9 mm ammunition, four rounds of 7.62 mm (NATO), one round of QJC ammunition, one smoke grenade, two fragmental jackets, one Motorola hand held radio, one jack knife, and a bucket containing different medicines.”
According to him, the arrested suspect and the recovered items are currently in custody for further action, while efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the illegal arms syndicate.
