Armed force reveals Kaduna firearm industrial facility, recuperates 26 weapons

Troops of Operation Safe Haven have arrested a gun manufacturing syndicate in Kaduna State and recovered a total of 26 weapons from them

The media officer for the Special Military Taskforce, Captain Oya James, disclosed this in a statement he issued in Jos on Saturday.

James added that the discovery followed a week-long intelligence operation that finally led to the capture of a wanted gunrunner Napoleon John who had been on the wanted list of the Special Military Taskforce.

The statement read in part, “In line with the Commander Operation Safe Haven and General Officer Commanding 3 Armoured Division, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar’s resolve to deal decisively with sponsors and perpetrators of crime as well as mopping up illegal weapons in OPSH Joint Operations Area, troops have uncovered a gun manufacturing factory in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

“The suspect who confessed to the crime led troops to a concealed factory where arms of different calibre were sold by another miscreant identified as Monday Dunia, who confessed to having been in the business for more than five years fuelling the crisis in Kaduna and neighbouring Plateau states.

“A thorough search of the factory led to the recovery of 22 different weapons including seven pistols, two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, two military grade AK-47 rifles, and nine revolvers. Others include one submachine gun, rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, machine tools, and a gas cylinder.

“In a follow-up operation from midnight yesterday up till early hours of September 22, 2023, troops raided another hideout in Adua 1 village in Kafanchan and captured additional two AK-47 rifles, two revolver rifles, live rounds of 9mm and 7.62 ammunitions, six dangerous daggers, one hacker axe, several empty cases of 7.62mm special rounds, two police uniforms, one military camouflage trousers, among others.”

James further disclosed that the major whose name was withheld behind the syndicate was still on the run but would soon be apprehended.

“While commending troops for their doggedness and resilience, the GOC/Commander OPSH also vowed to ensure all fleeing syndicate members were arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law. Sponsors and perpetrators of criminalities should immediately abandon their evil ways and embrace lawful means of livelihood,” he added.