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Jos, Plateau State – By Prime Brief Media

Troops of the Quick Response Force (QRF) under Operation ENDURING PEACE have uncovered two illegal arms manufacturing factories in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, arresting five suspects and recovering a significant cache of weapons and industrial tools.

The spokesman of the operation, Captain Polycarp Oteh, paraded the suspects at the force headquarters on Friday and told journalists the breakthrough followed highly intensified human intelligence gathering and strategic surveillance. He said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to cut off the supply chain of illicit firearms and safeguard law-abiding citizens within the Joint Operations Area.

“The operation, which was the result of highly intensified and comprehensive human intelligence gathering as well as strategic surveillance, led to the discovery of two illegal arms manufacturing sites. During the precision operation, troops arrested five suspects caught in the act of fabricating lethal weapons. A comprehensive search of the sites led to the recovery of a significant cache of weaponry and industrial equipment,” Captain Oteh stated.

Detailing the recoveries, he listed nine fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally fabricated pistol, four empty AK-47 magazines, seven skeletal AK-47 rifles, and 10 rifle butts. Also recovered were 36 empty shells of 7.62mm special ammunition, four revolver engines, 14 recoiling springs, six hand drilling machines, nine filing machines, four welding machines, and assorted industrial equipment.

Captain Oteh said the suspects and recovered items were in military custody for further investigation. He added that troops were consolidating ongoing covert operations aimed at mopping up the remnants of arms and ammunition already in circulation.

The discovery underscores the existence of a local arms manufacturing network feeding the cycle of violence in Plateau State, where rural communities have endured repeated deadly attacks. Cutting off locally made weapons has been a priority for security forces, as such arms are often difficult to trace and contribute significantly to communal clashes and banditry.

Captain Oteh appreciated members of the public for their support and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities of criminal elements to security agencies.

Prime Brief Media will continue to track security and rescue efforts across the state as this story develops.

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