The 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army has uncovered an illicit gun manufacturing facility in Onicha Olona community, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, the Commander of the 63 Brigade, disclosed this during a visit to the illegal arms factory site, revealing that the facility had the capacity to produce ten guns weekly.
“Among the eight suspects arrested in connection with the illegal arms business are the mastermind, his father, mother, and sister,” General Unachukwu stated.
The illegal factory, nestled in a forest, was equipped with surveillance posts, a remote-connected generator set, an iron-melting oven, and a stockpile of arms and ammunition.
“We have also seized materials for manufacturing improvised explosive devices (IEDs), including shrapnel, detonators, and containers,” added the army commander.
General Unachukwu emphasized that the activities of the suspects significantly contributed to insecurity in the region and the nation at large.
“The prime suspect, 22-year-old Emmanuel Eboka, confessed to leasing some of the firearms to criminal elements for a fee,” he revealed.
Furthermore, General Unachukwu warned perpetrators of insurgency against undermining the peace and stability of Nigeria, assuring that they would be apprehended.
This recent discovery echoes previous efforts by security operatives in Delta State, including the rescue of four kidnapped victims in the forests of Orerokpe community in Okpe Local Government Area last September.