Troops of Operation Ensuring Peace have apprehended five suspected illegal arms producers during a coordinated raid in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, recovering several locally fabricated weapons and equipment.
According to an operational update released on Friday, the raid was carried out in the Vom community after security operatives received intelligence reports about clandestine arms manufacturing activities in the area.
The operation reportedly took place on Thursday afternoon, with troops storming two identified locations allegedly used for the illegal production of firearms.
Security personnel arrested five suspects at the sites and recovered nine locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, one handmade pistol, seven incomplete AK-47 rifle frames, four empty magazines and 10 rifle butt stocks.
Other items seized during the operation included 36 empty 7.62mm ammunition shells, four revolver parts, 14 recoil springs, six hand drilling machines, nine filing machines, four welding machines and several tools believed to have been used in the fabrication process.
Military authorities disclosed that the suspects and recovered exhibits remained in custody while investigations continued.
The report also indicated that security agencies had launched additional covert operations aimed at dismantling other suspected illegal arms networks operating within Plateau State and neighbouring areas.
The crackdown, according to the military, is part of ongoing efforts to tackle the spread of illicit weapons and reinforce security across the North-Central region.