Troops Burst Gun Factory in Plateau

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Troops of the Military Task Force, Operation Safe Haven, in Plateau State, have raided a gun-making factory, seizing a large number of weapons and ammunition in the Mangu Local Government Area of the state.

Spokesman of OPSH, Captain James Oya, who disclosed this in a statement said the factory was found during a Sweep Operation in a hilly area, where a lone building used for making guns was located on a high point in Pakachi Village in the local government.

The statement added that many illegal firearms and related items were recovered, and one suspect Mr. Tapshak Plangji, a 25-year-old man, who was suspected to be part of the unlawful activities at the factory, was arrested.

He said the alleged owner of the factory, Mr. Nuhu Meshack, was on the run, and the security forces were after him.

The items recovered, according to the statement were 5 AK 47 rifles, 4 AK 47 magazines, 11 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 5 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 21 Dane guns, 4 revolver rifles, 11 pistols with 5 magazines, 17 gun-barrels, 6 rounds of 0.44-inch ammunition, a carbide cylinder with accessories, 3 saws, and 12 filing machines.

Others were 4 hammers, 6 manual drilling machines, 2 electrically operated filing machines, 2 clamps, one spraying machine, one tiger generator, and various drilling irons as other items that were seized.

The task force said Mr. Plangji and the recovered weapons and items were in the custody of the troops for further investigation.

He said the operation was a testament to the dedication of the troops and their cooperation with other security agencies in combating illegal arms production and distribution, and all criminal activities in the communities.

The statement added that the operation highlighted the significance of joint efforts between security agencies and local communities in protecting the nation from the dangers of illicit arms manufacturing and trafficking.