Troops under Operation Enduring Peace have uncovered and dismantled an illegal arms manufacturing site in Gwandanu Village, located in Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State, as part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of illicit weapons.
In a related operation, security forces also apprehended a suspected gunrunner and recovered weapons in Gidan Waya community within Jama’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The spokesperson for the operation, Polycarp Oteh, disclosed that the coordinated raids were carried out as part of intensified measures to eliminate illegal arms production and criminal activities across the region.
Providing details of the Plateau operation, Captain Oteh said, “The operation, which was conducted at about 5:00 pm on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, resulted in the arrest of 2 suspects caught in the process of fabricating sophisticated firearms.
“During the precise tactical raid, troops seized a substantial cache of weaponry and industrial equipment used for the production of illegal arms.
“Recovered items include 2 AK-47 rifles and one G3 rifle, alongside a suite of manufacturing tools such as 2 generating sets, a welding machine, a drilling machine, a hand filler, and a comprehensive technical toolbox.”
He further explained developments in Kaduna, stating that “troops deployed at Gidan Waya, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, responded to armed attack on members of the Forest Guards and Vigilante Group of Nigeria.
“Troops, in collaboration with Forest Guards, pursued the assailants towards the Jaginde Forest axis. Upon sighting the approaching troops around Ungwar Maruwa, the suspected criminals abandoned their motorcycle and fled into the bush. Subsequently, troops intercepted and arrested one of the fleeing suspect. A thorough search of the criminals hideouts led to the recovery of an AK 47 rifle, one AK 49 rifle, a motorcycle and a sleeping mat.
“The arrested suspects are currently in custody undergoing investigation to determine the extent of their distribution network and any potential links to wider criminal syndicates.
“Following this successful intervention, troops have intensified mop-up operations across the general area to locate and recover any remaining locally fabricated weapons that may still be in circulation as well as intercept other members of the fleeing criminals.”
Captain Oteh emphasised that the series of operations underscores the military’s resolve to restore lasting peace and stability within the Operation Enduring Peace Joint Operations Area by targeting the root causes of communal clashes and criminality.
He also called on residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance safety and security across affected communities.
