From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN under Hakorin Damisa IV have discovered a weapons manufacturing facility in Pakachi village in Mangu local government areas of Plateau State.
Mangu had been embroiled in sectarian violence since April 2022. Indeed over 200 people were killed, hundreds displaced and many houses burnt when people suspected to be Fulani herders overran three local government areas of Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu on Christmas Eve last year.
According to the Media Officer of OPSH, Capt Oya James, the facility was discovered during a clearance operations on rugged mountainous terrain when the troops came upon an isolated structure which turned out to be a weapons fabrication factory.
He said that during the operation, a significant number of illicit firearms and related equipment were recovered and one suspect apprehended.
In a statement he signed James said that the operation led to the arrest of a 25-year-old male identified as Tapshak Plangji, suspected to be involved in the illegal activities at the factory.
He added that the alleged owner of the facility, Mr Nuhu Meshack, is currently at large and efforts are underway to bring him to justice.
“Items recovered from the facility include five AK 47 Rifles, four AK 47 Magazines, 11 Rounds of 7.62mm Ammunition, five Rounds of 9mm Ammunition, 21 Dane Guns, four Revolver Rifles, 11 Pistols with five Magazines, 17 Gun Barrels and six Rounds of 0.44 Inch Ammunition”
The troops also recovered a Carbide Cylinder with Accessories, three Saws, 12 Filing Machines, four Hammer, six Manual Drilling Machines, two Electrically Operated Filing Machines, two G-Clamps, one Spraying Machine, one Tiger Generator and assorted Drilling Irons
He said that the suspect, Mr Plangji, along with the recovered rifles and other items, are currently in the custody of the troops for further investigation.
The media officer said that the successful operation was a testament to the commitment of the troops in collaboration with other security agencies in the fight against illegal arms proliferation and criminal activities within Plateau communities.
He added that it also underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between security agencies and local communities in safeguarding our nation from threats posed by illicit arms production and trafficking.