The military has revealed that some operators of illegal gun manufacturing factories arrested in Plateau State admitted selling locally made firearms to Fulani militias because they offered higher prices than other buyers.
The disclosure was made by the Chief of Staff of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Brigadier-General Selong Sule, during a media briefing with senior defence correspondents in Jos.
Sule spoke on behalf of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Major General Folusho Oyinlola.
He said recent intelligence-led operations carried out by troops had uncovered and dismantled several illegal weapon manufacturing factories operating across Plateau State, describing the discoveries as a major breakthrough in the fight against insecurity in the region.
According to him, the military has intensified intelligence gathering and coordinated operations to stop the illegal production and circulation of firearms, which have continued to fuel violent attacks and communal conflicts in parts of the state.
“We have a lot of illegal weapon manufacturing factories. Recently, based on intelligence, we discovered and busted about three or four of such factories,” Sule said.
He disclosed that investigations following the arrests produced disturbing confessions from some of the suspects.
According to the military officer, several of those arrested initially claimed they were producing firearms to help members of their communities defend themselves against attacks.
However, during further interrogation, some admitted that they also sold the weapons to Fulani militias because the armed groups were willing to pay more.
“Some of the suspects claimed they manufactured weapons for members of their communities to defend themselves. However, some later confessed that they also sold these weapons to Fulani militias because they paid more,” Sule said.
He warned that the widespread production and circulation of locally manufactured firearms remain one of the greatest threats to peace and security in Plateau State.
According to him, the easy availability of illegal weapons has made it easier for criminal groups and armed militias to carry out attacks, making the work of security agencies more difficult.
“The proliferation of firearms and the activities of illegal weapon manufacturers raise serious security concerns. A weapon in the hands of a non-state actor is a major challenge to our operations,” he said.
Sule explained that while some civilians justify possessing firearms as a means of protecting themselves and their communities, the uncontrolled spread of weapons often worsens insecurity.
He noted that once firearms enter communities, they can easily find their way into the hands of criminals, who then use them to attack innocent people.
“People tell us they carry weapons to defend themselves, but once weapons circulate among civilians, they easily fall into the hands of criminals who use them to attack communities,” he stated.
The senior military officer also highlighted the difference between the operations of trained security personnel and armed civilians.
He said soldiers operating under Operation Safe Haven are guided by the Constitution, military laws and clearly defined Rules of Engagement, which regulate when and how force can be used.
According to him, civilians who illegally possess weapons are not subject to such professional controls, increasing the risk of abuse and unlawful violence.
“Our soldiers are governed by the Constitution, military laws and Rules of Engagement. They cannot simply use force at will. But when civilians illegally possess weapons, there is no such control,” Sule said.
Beyond military operations, Sule said the armed forces are placing greater emphasis on non-kinetic strategies aimed at building trust between security agencies and local communities.
He explained that winning the confidence of residents is essential because security operations depend heavily on timely and credible intelligence supplied by members of the public.
“If we do not win the hearts and minds of the people, it becomes difficult to obtain credible intelligence that is essential for successful operations,” he said.
He urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities and avoiding any involvement in the illegal manufacture, sale or possession of firearms.
The Chief of Staff also called on the Plateau State Government, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders to intensify efforts to stop the illegal production of weapons across the state.
He said greater collaboration between government authorities, local communities and security agencies would help reduce the spread of illegal arms and improve public safety.
Sule also encouraged individuals who possess illegal firearms to surrender them voluntarily, saying such actions would contribute to restoring lasting peace in Plateau.
Plateau State has experienced repeated outbreaks of violence over the years, with conflicts often linked to disputes over land, grazing routes, ethnic and religious differences, as well as criminal activities.
Several communities across the state have suffered deadly attacks, leading to the loss of lives, destruction of property and the displacement of thousands of residents.
The Federal Government has repeatedly pledged to strengthen efforts to combat illegal arms trafficking and dismantle local weapon manufacturing networks supplying criminal groups.
Operation Safe Haven, the military task force responsible for maintaining peace in Plateau and parts of neighbouring states, has continued to conduct raids, recover illegal weapons and arrest suspects involved in violent crimes.
The military believes that reducing the availability of illegal firearms, alongside improved intelligence gathering and stronger community partnerships, will play a key role in addressing the persistent security challenges facing Plateau State.
Sule reaffirmed the commitment of Operation Safe Haven to protecting lives and property while working with all relevant stakeholders to restore lasting peace across the state.
He said security agencies would continue to target illegal gun manufacturers and those supplying weapons to criminal groups, warning that anyone found violating the law would face prosecution.