Troops have uncovered illegal weapon-making factories in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, leading to the arrest of five suspects during a coordinated security operation.
According to security sources quoted by Zagazola Makama, the suspects were arrested on Wednesday during a joint raid conducted by the Quick Response Force (QRF) of Headquarters OPEP in the Vom community.
The operation reportedly followed several weeks of intelligence gathering and covert surveillance aimed at tracking illegal arms production networks operating within the state.
Sources said security operatives targeted two separate illegal arms manufacturing sites where suspects were allegedly caught producing weapons linked to attacks and covert killings.
Items recovered during the raid included nine fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally made pistol, four empty magazines, seven skeleton AK-47 rifles and 10 rifle butts.
Troops also recovered 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 fabrication tools.
Security officials said the suspects and all recovered weapons have been taken into custody for further investigation.
The sources added that ongoing covert operations are being intensified to identify other illegal arms manufacturers and recover more weapons circulating across Plateau State.
The latest discovery comes amid renewed violence in parts of the state, especially in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Mangu and Bokkos LGAs, where communities have experienced repeated attacks and reprisals involving armed groups and criminal elements.
According to the report, the latest raid marks the third illegal arms factory uncovered in the state within the last three weeks.
Security assessments cited in the publication also noted that beyond attacks often blamed on suspected Fulani militias or bandits, some local armed groups, including ethnic Berom militias, have also allegedly been linked to reprisals, attacks on mining sites and illegal possession of firearms.
