By Israel Adamu, Jos
Troops of the 3rd Armoured Division under Operation Enduring Peace have uncovered an illegal arms manufacturing factory in Heipang District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation, conducted on September 17, followed intelligence reports and led to the arrest of a weapon fabricator at the site. Other suspects reportedly fled before troops arrived.
Spokesperson of the operation, Major Zhakom, said a search of the factory led to the recovery of twelve assorted fabricated weapons, a fabricated pistol, nineteen rounds of PKT ammunition, twelve cartridges, and ten rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition.
Additional items recovered included ten rounds of 9 mm ammunition, four rounds of 7.62 mm (NATO), one round of QJC ammunition, a smoke grenade, two fragmental jackets, a Motorola handheld radio, a jack knife, and a bucket containing assorted medicines.
Major Zhakom confirmed that the suspect and the recovered items are in custody for further action. He added that efforts are ongoing to track and arrest fleeing members of the syndicate.
He noted that the operation is part of continuous efforts to mop up illicit arms and ammunition within the Joint Operations Area and urged the public to provide timely and credible intelligence to aid security agencies in combating insecurity.
