Troops of Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have successfully raided a clandestine arms manufacturing site in Gwandanu Village, Langtang North Local Government Area (LGA)of Plateau State, arresting suspects.
JTF OPEP Spokesperson, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, said in a statement on Thursday that the operation, which is “a significant blow to the proliferation of illicit weapons and the activities of criminal elements,” was conducted at about 5:00 pm on Wednesday, 22 April 2026.
Two suspects, the statement noted, “were caught in the process of fabricating sophisticated firearms. During the precise tactical raid, troops seized a substantial cache of weaponry and industrial equipment used for the production of illegal arms.
“Recovered items include 2 AK-47 rifles and one G3 rifle, alongside a suite of manufacturing tools such as 2 generating sets, a welding machine, a drilling machine, a hand filler, and a comprehensive technical toolbox.”
“In a related engagement, troops deployed at Gidan Waya, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, responded to armed attack on members of the Forest Guards and Vigilante Group of Nigeria.
”Troops in collaboration with Forest Guards pursued the assailant towards the Jaginde Forest axis. Upon sighting the approaching troops around Ungwar Maruwa, the suspected criminals abandoned their motorcycle and fled into the bush. Subsequently, troops intercepted and arrested one of the fleeing suspect. A thorough search of the criminals hideouts led to the recovery of an AK 47 rifle, one AK 49 rifle, a motorcycle and a sleeping mat.
”The arrested suspects are currently in custody undergoing investigation to determine the extent of their distribution network and any potential links to wider criminal syndicates. Following this successful intervention, troops have intensified mop-up operations across the general area to locate and recover any remaining locally fabricated weapons that may still be in circulation as well as intercept other members of the fleeing criminals.
”These operations reflects the ongoing commitment of troops to restore absolute peace and stability in Operation ENDURING PEACE Joint Operations Area by aggressively targeting the sources of communal violence, other criminal activities. Operation ENDURING PEACE remains vigilant and urge members of the public to kindly continue providing timely information that assists in maintaining the safety and security of the Joint OperationsArea.”
