The Benue State Police Command has uncovered a hidden network of illegal gun manufacturing factories operating in the state, leading to the arrest of two prime suspects allegedly behind the operation. The breakthrough is part of a series of ongoing efforts to combat the rising tide of criminal activities, including kidnapping, robbery, and cultism in the region.
On January 11, a special police task force swooped down on a remote village in Mbaafa, Kwande Local Government Area (LGA), after receiving credible intelligence about the clandestine arms production activities taking place there. During the raid, two suspects—Friday Aduduakamve and Iorwashima Iornyume, known by the alias “AK-35”—were apprehended at a makeshift gun factory.
Seized Weapons and Tools
The police recovered several dangerous weapons from the site, including nine fabricated pistols and an incomplete AK-47 rifle. They also seized critical tools used in the manufacturing process, such as a filing machine, two gas cylinders, and various other equipment that could be used in the production of more firearms.
“These items are clear evidence of a sophisticated arms-making operation, capable of supplying firearms to criminals,” said Steve Yabanet, the Commissioner of Police for Benue State. “The sophisticated nature of this illegal factory highlights the growing challenge we face in curbing the flow of weapons into the hands of criminals.”
Aduduakamve and Iornyume are currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing to trace the full extent of their operations and connections to criminal groups within the state.
Second Gun Factory Uncovered in Guma LGA
The police didn’t stop at just one discovery. On January 12, they raided another suspected gun factory, this time in Daudu, Guma LGA. The operation led to the arrest of Meme Ihoon, a 50-year-old man suspected of being a key player in the illicit arms trade. Police seized six Dane guns and three long pipes used in the manufacturing of firearms at Ihoon’s home.
Ihoon reportedly confessed to producing and selling firearms to criminal syndicates operating in Benue, especially groups involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultist activities. According to police sources, these weapons have been used in multiple high-profile criminal incidents across the state, further exacerbating the insecurity in the region.
Growing Arms Trade and its Impact on Security
The discovery of these illegal gun factories underscores the severity of the security challenges currently facing Benue and other parts of Nigeria. In recent years, criminal gangs and militant groups have increasingly resorted to homemade firearms, often made from easily accessible materials, to carry out violent attacks. This development has posed significant hurdles for law enforcement agencies and the government in curbing violence and ensuring the safety of residents.
“Benue has been struggling with rising incidents of violent crime, including kidnapping for ransom and armed robbery. These locally manufactured firearms are playing a pivotal role in enabling these criminal activities,” said Commissioner Yabanet. “It is imperative that we continue to dismantle these illegal operations to stem the flow of illegal weapons into the hands of criminals.”
Role of Criminal Syndicates in Arms Distribution
The arrest of Ihoon has shed light on how criminal syndicates within and outside Benue have capitalized on the state’s vulnerability. Ihoon is believed to have been supplying firearms to kidnappers and armed robbers, who then use them to terrorize communities across the state. According to Yabanet, police investigations are currently focused on identifying Ihoon’s connections to other regional arms suppliers.
“These criminal networks operate with a dangerous level of coordination. It is not just about manufacturing weapons; it is about ensuring that these firearms reach the hands of the wrong people. We are working tirelessly to dismantle the entire supply chain,” the commissioner explained.
Community Role in Fighting Crime
The police have urged the people of Benue, especially community leaders, to cooperate with security forces in the fight against crime. According to Yabanet, the recent successes in uncovering the gun factories would not have been possible without the assistance of local residents who provided vital tips and information to law enforcement.
“We rely on the vigilance of the community to identify suspicious activities and prevent criminals from hiding in plain sight. We encourage religious leaders, traditional rulers, and parents to help instill a culture of honesty and integrity in young people, and to discourage them from being involved in criminal activities,” the commissioner added.
While the recent arrests and gun seizures are a significant victory for law enforcement, they also reflect a larger, nationwide problem. Nigeria has been grappling with the proliferation of illegal firearms for years, with a lack of regulation, porous borders, and weak enforcement allowing arms traffickers to operate freely.
In addition to the challenges posed by homemade weapons, criminal organizations in Nigeria continue to benefit from the easy availability of smuggled firearms, often flowing in from conflict zones and neighboring countries. The discovery of these factories in Benue highlights a growing trend where criminals take matters into their own hands, producing firearms within the country.
Experts argue that without significant reforms in gun control policies and a more robust approach to border security, the country will continue to face difficulties in reducing crime rates and restoring peace to volatile regions.
Continued Investigations and Future Operations
As investigations into these illegal arms manufacturing operations continue, the police have vowed to intensify their efforts to root out illegal gun production and dismantle arms trafficking networks across Benue and beyond. The Benue State Police Command has also called for greater cooperation from other security agencies and community stakeholders to address the larger issue of arms proliferation.
“We will not rest until we dismantle the entire criminal network behind these illegal arms factories,” Commissioner Yabanet affirmed. “Our commitment to securing Benue and ensuring that criminals no longer find refuge in our state is unwavering.”
