Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have uncovered and destroyed an illegal arms manufacturing site in Plateau State, arresting suspects and recovering weapons and equipment used in the production of firearms.
The operation, carried out in Gwandanu Village, Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State, is part of ongoing military efforts to tackle insecurity and the spread of illegal weapons in the country.
According to a statement issued by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force under Operation ENDURING PEACE, troops acted on credible intelligence to raid the secret location where illegal arms were being produced.
During the operation, soldiers arrested two suspects who were allegedly caught in the act of fabricating weapons. The raid also led to the recovery of several firearms and tools used for making guns.
Items recovered from the site include two AK-47 rifles and one G3 rifle. Troops also seized equipment believed to be used in the manufacturing process, such as two generating sets, a welding machine, a drilling machine, a hand filler, and a set of technical tools.
Military authorities described the discovery as a major breakthrough in efforts to cut off the supply of illegal arms, which have been linked to violent crimes and attacks in different parts of the country.
Plateau State has witnessed security challenges in recent years, including communal clashes and attacks by armed groups. The spread of illegal firearms has been identified as one of the key factors fueling violence in the area.
By dismantling such facilities, the military aims to reduce the availability of weapons and weaken the ability of criminal elements to carry out attacks.
In a related development, troops also recorded success in Kaduna State, where they responded to an attack on local security groups.
The incident occurred in Gidan Waya, located in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State. According to the military, armed men attacked members of the Forest Guards and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria operating in the area.
Troops quickly moved in to support the local security groups and pursued the attackers towards the Jaginde Forest axis. The operation involved close coordination between soldiers and the Forest Guards.
As the troops advanced towards Ungwar Maruwa, the suspected attackers reportedly abandoned their motorcycle and fled into nearby bushes.
However, the soldiers continued the chase and succeeded in arresting one of the fleeing suspects. The arrest is seen as an important step in identifying and tracking other members of the group.
Items recovered during the operation include one AK-47 rifle, one AK-49 rifle, a motorcycle, and a sleeping mat believed to have been used by the suspects.
The military said the arrested individuals are currently in custody and undergoing investigation. Authorities are working to determine the extent of their activities and whether they are linked to larger criminal networks.
The operations in Plateau and Kaduna states highlight the ongoing efforts by Nigerian security forces to address insecurity, particularly in regions affected by banditry, communal violence, and illegal arms trafficking.
In recent years, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons has become a major concern across the country. These weapons are often used in crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and attacks on communities.
The Federal Government has repeatedly emphasised the need to clamp down on illegal arms production and distribution as part of broader security reforms.
Operation ENDURING PEACE is one of several military operations aimed at restoring stability in troubled areas. The task force works with other security agencies and local groups to respond to threats and maintain order.
The collaboration between the military and local vigilante groups, as seen in the Kaduna operation, has been described as important in improving intelligence gathering and rapid response.
For now, the recent successes recorded by troops are being seen as a positive step in the fight against illegal arms and violent crime.
Residents in affected areas have expressed hope that continued military operations will bring lasting peace and reduce the level of violence.
The Nigerian Army has assured the public that it will continue its efforts to identify and dismantle illegal arms networks, while also bringing those involved to justice.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to provide more details on the suspects and any wider connections that may emerge.