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From Ben Dunno, Warri
As part of a renewed efforts to nip in the bud violence crimes within its operational areas, officers and men attached to the 63 Bridge of the Nigerian Army, have discovered an illegal arms factory in a peaceful agrarian community called Onicha Olona in Aniocha North local government area of the state.
It was reliably gathered that the weapons manufacturing factory is capable of producing an average of ten (10) locally made guns (Long or cut to size) on a weekly basis.
Briefing newsmen within the premises of the arms factory after its discovery, Commander 63 Brigade, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, noted that the raid of the dreaded hideout location was carried out after thorough investigations based on intelligence available to the Command.
He disclosed that Eight (8) persons have so far been arrested in connection with the family business and that included the father, who masterminded the business, his wife and sister alongside other persons working in the arms factory.
Items recovered during the invasion of the arms factory located far into the forest were; a surveillance post, a generating set connected from a remote location, an oven for melting of iron and a cache of arms and ammunition.
Others, according to Brigadier General Unachukwu, were items used for the manufacturing of improvised explosive devices IEDs, including shrapnels, detonators and the containers.
Speaking further, the Brigade Commander revealed that the activities of the suspects was a major contributor to the rising cases of insecurity in the region and the country at large.
According to him; “In this axis it is only IPOB and Eastern security network that uses improvised explosive devices and even drones.
“A normal AK-47 magazine carries 30 rounds, but this man is modifying AK-47 magazine to carry 60 rounds.
“Anybody that is involved in act of insurgency that is against the peace and stability of Nigeria, we will get to you”, he stated.
Responding to a question, a 22years old, (m) prime suspect, who identified himself as Emmanuel Eboka, admitted to have rented some of the arms to criminal elements for set fees”.
His words; “When I repair it for them I don’t charge them, they just give me whatever is in their mind. I don’t charge them”.
“My daddy said I should leave his veranda, because he is not comfortable with me being around his veranda that is why I shifted to this side (the forest)”, he stated.
His parents Mrs and Mrs Isioma and Angela Eboka, acknowledged they were aware of the illegal activities of their son, but denied any knowledge that he was providing arms and ammunition to criminals.
