The Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) on Friday gave insight into how its troops under Quick Response Force (QRF), on Thursday “successfully busted two illegal arms manufacturing factories in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.”
A statement by OPEP Spokesperson, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, said the “well coordinated raid operation was part of the ongoing efforts by Operation ENDURING PEACE aimed at cutting off the supply chain of illicit firearms and safe guarding of law abiding citizens within its Joint Operations Area (JOA).”
The statement added that “the operation which was the result of a highly intensified, comprehensive human intelligence gathering and strategic surveillance led to the discovery of 2 illegal arms manufacturing sites. During the precision operation, troops arrested 5 suspects caught in the act of fabricating lethal weapons.
“A comprehensive search of the sites led to recovery of significant cache of weaponry and industrial equipment. Items recovered include, 9 fabricated AK 47 rifles, one locally fabricated pistol, 4 empty AK 47 magazines, 7 skeletal AK 47 rifles and 10 rifle butts.
“Other items recovered are 36 empty shells of 7.62mm special, 4 revolver engines, 14 recoiling springs, 6 hand drilling machines, 9 filing machines, 4 welding machines and assorted industrial equipment. Suspects and recovered items are currently in custody for further exploitation and detailed investigation.
“While troops are currently consolidating the ongoing covert operation in order to mop-up the remnants of arms and ammunition already in circulation, Operation ENDURING PEACE appreciates the support of the citizenry and urged them to be more vigilant and report suspicious activities of criminal elements to security agencies.”
