May 08, (THEWILL) — Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against illegal arms proliferation with the discovery and dismantling of two clandestine arms manufacturing factories in Plateau State.
THEWILL reports that the operation, carried out by troops of the Quick Response Force (QRF) on Thursday, targeted illegal weapons production sites located in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area of the state.
The successful raid was part of ongoing military efforts to disrupt the supply chain of illicit firearms, curb criminal activities and enhance security within the Joint Operations Area (JOA).
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the operation followed intensified human intelligence gathering and strategic surveillance by security operatives.
He disclosed that troops stormed the illegal facilities during a precision operation and arrested five suspects allegedly caught in the act of fabricating sophisticated weapons.
Items recovered from the factories included nine fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally made pistol, four empty AK-47 magazines, seven skeletal AK-47 rifles and 10 rifle butts.
The troops also recovered 36 empty shells of 7.62mm special ammunition, four revolver engines, 14 recoiling springs, six hand drilling machines, nine filing machines, four welding machines, as well as other industrial equipment used for arms production.
Military authorities described the recovery as a significant success in ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal arms networks fueling insecurity in Plateau State and surrounding areas.
Captain Oteh said the suspects and all recovered exhibits are currently in custody for further investigation and exploitation, adding that troops have continued covert operations to track and recover additional illegal arms and ammunition already in circulation.
He noted that the operation demonstrates the commitment of Operation ENDURING PEACE to protecting law-abiding citizens and restoring lasting peace across the region.
The military also appreciated residents for their continued support and cooperation with security agencies, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities of criminal elements.
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