Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have uncovered and dismantled two illegal arms manufacturing factories in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, arresting five suspects and recovering a cache of weapons and ammunition-related materials.
The operation, carried out on Thursday by troops of the Quick Response Force (QRF), was described by military authorities as part of intensified efforts to disrupt the supply of illicit firearms and strengthen security within the Joint Operations Area.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, Capt. Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the raid followed highly intensified and comprehensive human intelligence gathering and strategic surveillance.
During the coordinated operation, troops reportedly stormed two clandestine weapon fabrication sites where suspects were allegedly caught manufacturing firearms.
Security operatives recovered nine fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally made pistol, four empty AK-47 magazines, seven skeletal AK-47 rifles and 10 rifle butts from the facilities.
Other items seized during the raid included 36 empty shells of 7.62mm special ammunition, four revolver engines, 14 recoiling springs, six hand drilling machines, nine filing machines, four welding machines and several other industrial tools believed to have been used in weapon production.
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Military authorities said the suspects and recovered items are currently in custody for further investigation and exploitation.
Operation ENDURING PEACE also disclosed that troops are continuing covert follow-up operations aimed at tracing and recovering additional arms and ammunition believed to already be in circulation.
The task force commended residents for their cooperation and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies on suspicious activities within their communities.
Captain Oteh reaffirmed the commitment of Operation ENDURING PEACE to sustaining operations against criminal networks threatening peace and security in Plateau State and surrounding areas.
