Makurdi, Benue State: In a major security breakthrough, troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have uncovered an illegal arms manufacturing facility in Agwatashi, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, and recovered six locally fabricated guns.
Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF OPWS, confirmed this in a Monday statement in Makurdi.
Zubairu said troops deployed to Forward Operating Base (FOB) Idadu discovered a concealed location suspected of illegally manufacturing locally fabricated weapons during routine patrols.
He said some people fled the area upon seeing the troops approaching the site.
“However, one suspect, Baba Ogar, a 26-year-old from Arusu Village in Kokona Local Government Area, who hid on top of a tree to evade arrest, was apprehended.
“A thorough search of the site led to the recovery of six locally fabricated pistols, assorted tools and instruments believed to be used in the production of illegal weapons, the sum of ₦40,500, and a mobile phone, which was found on the suspect.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the location served as an illegal arms manufacturing site. It supplied criminal elements with firearms within and beyond the area.
The arrested suspect is currently in custody. Investigations have been intensified to track down and apprehend other fleeing accomplices connected to the criminal activity.
Zubairu said the Force Commander, OPWS, Maj. Gen. Moses Gara has commended the troops for their professionalism, vigilance, and sustained operational pressure, which culminated in the discovery of the illegal arms production facility.
Gara charged them with maintaining momentum and continuing to rely on intelligence-driven operations to dismantle criminal networks within the Joint Operations Area.
