Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have uncovered and dismantled two illegal arms manufacturing factories in Plateau State, arresting five suspects and recovering fabricated AK-47 rifles and weapon-making equipment during a coordinated raid in Jos South.
The successful operation was carried out on Thursday, May 7, 2026, by troops of the Quick Response Force (QRF) under Operation ENDURING PEACE in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area, as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt the supply chain of illicit firearms and enhance security within the Joint Operations Area.
According to the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, the operation followed “highly intensified and comprehensive human intelligence gathering as well as strategic surveillance” conducted by the troops.
“The operation was carefully coordinated and executed with precision following credible intelligence on the activities of illegal arms fabricators operating within the area,” Oteh stated.
He explained that troops stormed the locations and caught five suspects in the act of fabricating lethal weapons.
“During the operation, troops successfully arrested five suspects who were actively engaged in the illegal fabrication of firearms capable of threatening public peace and security,” he said.
A comprehensive search of the factories led to the recovery of a large cache of fabricated weapons, ammunition components, and industrial tools used for the production of firearms.
Items recovered include nine fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally fabricated pistol, four empty AK-47 magazines, seven skeletal AK-47 rifles, and ten rifle butts.
Other items 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 several other industrial equipment suspected to have been used in the illegal arms production process.
Captain Oteh described the discovery as a significant breakthrough in the ongoing campaign against criminal networks fueling insecurity through the illicit manufacture and circulation of arms.
“This operation represents a major step in our determination to cut off the supply channels of illegal firearms and deny criminal elements the capacity to threaten law-abiding citizens within the Joint Operations Area,” he stated.
He further disclosed that the suspects and all recovered exhibits are currently in military custody for further exploitation and detailed investigation aimed at uncovering the wider arms supply network.
“The suspects and recovered items remain in custody while investigations continue. Troops are also consolidating on the ongoing covert operations to mop up remnants of arms and ammunition already in circulation,” Oteh added.
The Joint Task Force reassured residents of Plateau State and neighbouring communities of its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements and their collaborators.
Operation ENDURING PEACE also appreciated members of the public for their continued cooperation and urged citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.
“We appreciate the support and cooperation of the good people within the Joint Operations Area. Citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information that will aid security agencies in combating criminality,” the statement added.
The operation forms part of intensified security measures aimed at curbing armed violence, illegal arms proliferation, and other security threats across Plateau State and surrounding areas.
