Troops Raid Illegal Arms Factory in Plateau, Arrest Gunrunner in Kaduna

Troops Raid Illegal Arms Factory in Plateau, Arrest Gunrunner in Kaduna

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace, operating across Plateau State, Bauchi State, and Kaduna State, have uncovered an illegal arms manufacturing factory and arrested suspected gunrunners in coordinated operations targeting criminal networks.

The military said the operations were part of intensified efforts to curb illegal arms proliferation, banditry, and communal violence across the North-Central and North-West regions.

The breakthrough in Plateau State followed a raid on an arms factory located in Gwandanu Village, Langtang North Local Government Area. According to the spokesperson of the operation, Captain Polycarp Oteh, troops stormed the location at about 5:00 p.m. on April 22, 2026, acting on credible intelligence.

During the operation, two suspects were arrested while allegedly fabricating sophisticated firearms, highlighting the growing sophistication of locally produced weapons in conflict-prone areas.

Troops recovered a significant cache of weapons and equipment, including two AK-47 rifles and one G3 rifle, as well as fabrication tools such as generating sets, a welding machine, a drilling machine, and other industrial equipment used in illegal arms production.

Security analysts say the discovery underscores concerns that locally fabricated weapons are increasingly being used to fuel violence in Plateau and neighbouring states.

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In a related operation in Kaduna State, troops deployed to Gidan Waya in Jema’a Local Government Area responded to an armed attack on members of the Forest Guards and Vigilante Group of Nigeria.

The troops, working with local security outfits, pursued the attackers towards the Jaginde Forest axis. On sighting advancing forces near Ungwar Maruwa, the suspects reportedly abandoned a motorcycle and fled into the bush.

One suspect was subsequently arrested, while a search of suspected hideouts led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, an AK-49 rifle, a motorcycle, and other items, indicating possible links to organised criminal activity.

Military authorities confirmed that the arrested suspects are currently in custody and undergoing investigation to determine the extent of their arms distribution network and potential connections to wider criminal syndicates operating in the region.

Following the operations, troops have intensified mop-up and surveillance missions to track fleeing suspects and recover additional weapons believed to be in circulation.

Security experts note that the continued presence of illegal arms factories and gunrunning networks remains a major driver of insecurity, contributing to banditry, farmer-herder clashes, and attacks on rural communities.

The military reiterated its commitment to restoring peace and stability within the Operation Enduring Peace Joint Operations Area, emphasising that it will continue to target sources of violence and disrupt criminal supply chains.

Residents in affected communities have been urged to support ongoing efforts by providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to enhance operations and prevent further attacks.

Troops Raid Illegal Arms Factory in Plateau, Arrest Gunrunner in Kaduna