From Jude Dangwam, Jos
The military troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have successfully uncovered and dismantled an illegal weapons manufacturing factory in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State being used in fueling the lingering crisis within Plateau State and Southern part of Kaduna State.
The Media and Information Officer of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Captain James Oya, addressing Newsmen on Saturday noted that the operation was based on actionable intelligence, marking a significant step in the ongoing efforts of OPSH to combat illicit arms proliferation.
He further noted that the discovery of the weapon factory was also as a the result of a meticulously executed intelligence-led operation conducted by the troops leading to the substantial recovery of cache of automatic weapons and related equipment that were being produced and distributed to other states thereby fuelling crisis on the Plateau and in Southern Kaduna.
“The recovered items include 6 AK-47 rifles, 4 sub-machine guns, 11 AK rifle bodies, a pistol and 7 x AK 47 bridge blocks. Others include 4 x AK 47 rifle magazines, 210 recoil springs for AK 47 rifles, 7 rifle butts, 8 rifle muzzles, 9 piston assemblies as well as 5 cartridge housings. Also recovered were one drilling machine set, and a hand filling machine.
“In addition to the seizure of the weapons and weapon fabricating equipment, two individuals directly involved in the weapon proliferation and marketing process, Micheal Dung 33 years and Yusuf Pam 43 years were both apprehended,” Oya stated
The Media Officer maintained that the leadership of OPSH working in close coordination with law enforcement agencies would continue to ensure that those responsible for perpetuating criminal activities and their collaborators face the full wrath of the law.
“These arrests send a clear message that illegal arms production and trafficking will not be tolerated and anybody involved will be held accountable for their actions,” he warned
He said “the successful operation further demonstrated the unwavering commitment of OPSH to rid the Joint Operations Area of illegal arms and dismantle criminal networks involved in illegal weapon manufacturing and distribution in line with the mandate given to troops during the launch of Operations HAKORIN DAMISA IV by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TA Lagbaja.
Oya added that the recovery of such a significant number of firearms and related equipment will undoubtedly disrupt the activities of criminal elements and contribute to the overall security and stability of Plateau State and indeed the entire nation which remains the primary focus of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen CG Musa.
The GOC and Commander OPSH, Major General AE Abubakar, while commending the troops’ resilience, expressed his gratitude to the community for their continued support and cooperation in providing valuable information that has aided the fight against criminal activities.