This was disclosed in a statement posted on the official X handle of the Nigerian Army on Saturday, November 4.
According to the statement, the operation was based on actionable intelligence and marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts of the OPSH to combat illicit arms proliferation and ensure safety and security.
The statement read, “The discovery of the weapon factory was also the result of a meticulously executed intelligence-led operation conducted by the troops, leading to the substantial recovery of cache of automatic weapons and related equipment that were being produced and distributed to other states, thereby fueling the crisis in Plateau and in Southern Kaduna.
“The recovered items include six AK-47 rifles, four sub-machine guns, 11 AK rifle bodies, a pistol, and seven AK-47 bridge blocks.
“Others include four AK 47 rifle magazines, 210 recoil springs for AK 47 rifles, seven rifle butts, eight rifle muzzles, nine piston assemblies, as well as five cartridge housings. Also recovered were one drilling machine set and a hand filling machine.”
Two individuals, Michael Dung, 33, and Yusuf Pam, 43, were also arrested for direct involvement in the weapon proliferation and marketing process.
The statement further read that these arrests send a clear message that illegal arms production and trafficking will not be tolerated and anybody involved will be held accountable for their actions, adding that the leadership of OPSH, working in close coordination with law enforcement agencies, will continue to ensure those responsible for perpetuating criminal activities and their collaborators face the full wrath of the law.