Troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace have raided an illegal arms manufacturing factory at Heipang District, Barkin Ladi local government area of Plateau State.
The operation was in continuation of efforts to mop up illicit arms and ammunition in the Joint Operations Area (JOA).
A statement by the Media and Information Officer of JTF Operation Enduring Peace, Major Samson Zhakom said the troops arrested a weapon fabricator on 17 September, 2025, following intelligence-based operation, while others fled before the arrival of troops.
According to the statement, a thorough search of the illegal factory led to the recovery of 12 assorted fabricated weapons, 21 fabricated pistol, 19 round of PKT ammunition, 12 cartridges 10 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition and 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Other recovered items include 4 rounds of 7.62 mm (NATO) 1 round of QJC ammunition, 1 smoke grenade, 2 fragmental jackets, 1 Motorola Hand Held Radio, 1 Jack knife and 1 bucket containing different medicines.
Major Zhakom further said the arrested suspect and recovered items were in custody for further action, adding that efforts were ongoing to track and arrest the fleeing members of the illegal weapon manufacturing syndicate.
He urged the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to support the ongoing efforts to deny the criminal elements freedom of action, eradicate illicit arms and ammunition.
