Troops Burst Gun Factory in Kaduna State, Recover Weapons, Combat Gears

Kingsley Nweze

Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) on Operation Hakorin Damisa IV, yesterday uncovered a large gun factory in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State and arrested a wanted gunrunner.
The Nigerian Army, in a statement yesterday, said the discovery of the factory followed a week-long intelligence operation that finally led to the capture of a gunrunner identified as Napoleon John.

This came as Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said yesterday, that troops killed 52 terrorists and arrested 53 criminal suspects, seven suspected oil thieves, adding that 61 hostages were rescued.
The army’s statement said the suspect, who confessed to the crime, led troops to the concealed factory where arms of different calibre were sold by another miscreant identified as Monday Dunia.

“In line with the Commander Operation Safe Heaven (OPSH) and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Armoured Division, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar’s resolve to deal decisively with sponsors and perpetrators of crime, as well as mopping up illegal weapons in OPSH Joint Operations Area, troops have uncovered a gun manufacturing factory in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
“The discovery followed a week-long intelligence operation that finally led to the capture of a wanted gunrunner, Napoleon John, who has been on the wanted list of OPSH

“The suspect, who confessed to the crime led troops to a concealed factory where arms of different calibre were sold by another miscreant identified as Monday Dunia, who confessed to have been in the business for more than five years fueling the crisis in Kaduna and neighbouring Plateau States,” it said.
“A thorough search of the factory led to the recovery of 22 different weapons to include seven pistols, two locally fabricated AK 47 rifles, two military grade AK 47 rifles and 9 revolvers.

“Others include, one submachine gun, rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, machine tools and a gas cylinder. In a follow-up operation by midnight of yesterday uptill early hours of today, 22 September 2023, troops raided another hideout in Adua 1 village in Kafanchan and captured additional 2 x AK-47 Rifles, 2 x revolver rifles, live rounds of 9mm and 7.62 ammunitions, 6 x dangerous daggers, one x hacker axe, several empty cases of 7.62mm special rounds.
“Others are, two mobile phones, one fragmental jacket, two police uniforms, one military camouflage trousers, one ammunition magazine carrier, one pistol holster, one military grade camel pouch, one police combat helmet, two masks, four identity cards, gunpowder, shrapnels, charms and amulets.

“Also recovered were machine tools and other equipment. The major kingpin (name withheld) is still on the run but would soon be apprehended,” it said.
The statement said the GOC/Commander OPSH commended troops for their doggedness and resilience, and vowed to ensure all fleeing syndicate members were arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law. He warned sponsors and perpetrators of criminalities to immediately abandon their evil ways and embrace lawful means of livelihood

“General Abubakar also thanked the general public for their unwavering support in the fight against criminality and urged them not to relent in furnishing the troops with actionable information.
“He further assured to treat information provided with utmost secrecy and confidentiality
“Recall that the GOC/Commander OPSH issued a stern warning to criminals during a stakeholders’ engagement with traditional and religious leaders on 10 September 2023 held at Zangon Kataf,” it said.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Edward Buba, said seven terrorists also surrendered to troops.
“Overall, as at 22 September 2023, the armed forces neutralised 52 terrorists and arrested the following: 53 criminals, seven suspected oil thieves, while rescuing 61 kidnapped hostages. “Additionally, a total of seven terrorists comprising five adult males, one adult female surrendered to troops,” he said.

The statement affirmed that the operational activities of troops of Joint Task Force Operation Hadarin Daji ranged from rescue of kidnap victims within Tsafe LGA of Zamfara to artillery missions on terrorist massing up intended on attacking troops deployment.
Others include the arrest of terrorists, collaborators and the conduct of offensive activities to disrupt terrorist freedom of action.
It stated that on September 11, 2023, troops, while on offensive patrols around Koli, a terrorist hide out in Faskari LGA of Katsina State, troops raided and rescued two kidnapped victims.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were kidnapped on September 5, 2023 along Angwan Boka – Yankara road in Faskari LGA on their way to Zamfara State.
It said rescued victims were handed over to Alikere village Head for further action.
Also, troops in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State rescued three kidnapped victims that had escaped from the terrorist enclave.
The terrorists had kidnapped them on their farms on September 9, 2023. The victims were handed over to the District Head of Kwanarganuwa to be reunited with their families.