Troops conducting Operation Ensuring Peace (OPEP) have arrested five suspected illegal arms fabricators in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. The operation took place at about 15:00 hours on Thursday following credible human intelligence about illegal arms manufacturing activities in the community. During a coordinated raid on two fabrication sites, soldiers caught the suspects in the act of producing weapons. A total of nine fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally made pistol, seven skeleton AK-47 rifles, four empty magazines, and 10 rifle butt stocks were recovered. Additional items seized include 36 empty 7.62mm special ammunition shells, four revolver components, 14 recoiling springs, six hand drilling machines, nine filing machines, four welding machines, and other tools used in arms production. The suspects and all recovered materials are in military custody for further investigation. The Nigerian Army confirmed the operation in an official report released to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday. Authorities stated that follow-up covert operations are currently underway to dismantle remaining illegal arms networks in the Plateau operational area. The raid is part of ongoing efforts by OPEP to reduce illicit arms circulation and improve security in the North-Central region.
Five arrests in Vom reveal the persistence of underground arms workshops despite military operations in Plateau. The seizure of complete weapons, components, and industrial tools suggests local fabrication is not rudimentary but technically capable. If troops are still uncovering active sites, questions arise about how long these operations ran undetected in the same area. The continued existence of such networks undermines claims of tightened security in the region.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
