Troops of the Nigerian Army have uncovered an illegal weapons manufacturing factory in Heipang District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation, carried out on Wednesday by troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, followed credible intelligence about an arms fabrication syndicate active in the area.
Maj. Samson Zhakom, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 3 Division, said in a statement that one suspect was arrested at the scene, while others escaped before soldiers arrived.
He explained that a search of the factory uncovered 12 locally-made weapons, a fabricated pistol, 19 rounds of PKT ammunition, 12 cartridges, 10 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition, four rounds of 7.62mm (NATO), and one round of QJC ammunition.
Other items found included a smoke grenade, two fragmental jackets, a Motorola hand-held radio, a jack knife, and a bucket containing various medicines.
The statement added that the suspect and the seized items were in custody for further investigation.
“Efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing members of the syndicate,” the statement added.
He assured residents that the Nigerian Army remains committed to removing illegal weapons from circulation and maintaining peace and security across Plateau State and the wider North-Central region.
