The Special Military Taskforce in charge of maintaining peace in Plateau state on Wednesday said its troops raided some mountains in the Mangu Local Government Area of the state and uncovered a weapon factory in the area.
The spokesman for the Military Taskforce, Captain Oya James, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday said that items recovered in the factory during the operation included arms and ammunition of assorted types and machines while one suspect was also arrested.
The statement read, “In its determination to clear troubled regions of Plateau State from criminal activities, Troops of Operation Safe Heaven under HAKORIN DAMISA IV during clearance operations on rugged mountainous terrain discovered an isolated structure which turned out to be a weapons fabrication factory situated on a high ground in Pakachi Village, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
During the operation, a significant number of illicit firearms and related equipment were recovered and one suspect was apprehended.
“The operation resulted in the arrest of Mr. Tapshak Plangji, a 25-year-old male, suspected to be involved in the illegal activities at the factory. 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, 5 AK 47 Rifles, 4 AK 47 Magazines, 11 Rounds of 7.62mm Ammunition, 5 Rounds of 9mm Ammunition, 21 Dane Guns,4 Revolver Rifles, 11 Pistols with 5 Magazines,17 Gun Barrels, 6 Rounds of 0.44 Inch Ammunition, A Carbide Cylinder with Accessories,3 Saws,12 Filing Machines, 4 Hammers,6 Manual Drilling Machines,2 Electrically Operated Filling Machines,2 G-Clamps, One Spraying Machine, One Tiger Generator and assorted drilling Irons“
The suspect, Mr. Plangji, along with the recovered rifles and other items, are currently in the custody of the troops for further investigation.
“The successful operation is 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 our communities. It also underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between security agencies and local communities in safeguarding our nation from threats posed by illicit arms production and trafficking”.
The Troops, in November, last year uncovered and dismantled an illegal weapon manufacturing factory in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
This was disclosed in a statement posted on the official X handle of the Nigerian Army on Saturday, November 4.
According to the statement, the operation was based on actionable intelligence and marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts of the OPSH to combat illicit arms proliferation and ensure safety and security.
