The Nigerian Army’s Quick Response Force has dismantled two major illegal arms manufacturing factories in the Vom area of Jos South Local Government Area.
The precision raid, conducted on Thursday, May 7, 2026, resulted in the arrest of five suspects and the recovery of an extensive cache of weapons and fabrication machinery.
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE carried out the operation following weeks of intensified human intelligence collection and strategic surveillance. Military officials confirmed that the suspects were apprehended while actively fabricating lethal weapons within the clandestine facilities.
“The well-coordinated raid was part of ongoing efforts aimed at cutting off the supply chain of illicit firearms and safeguarding law-abiding citizens within the Joint Operations Area,” stated Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force.
During a comprehensive sweep of the sites, troops recovered nine fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally made pistol, and seven skeletal AK-47 frames. The seizure also included four empty AK-47 magazines, ten rifle butts, and four revolver engines. Beyond completed firearms, the military discovered a sophisticated industrial setup featuring welding machines, hand drilling tools, filing equipment, and fourteen recoiling springs.
Captain Oteh emphasized the importance of the discovery, noting that the recovery of 36 empty shells of 7.62mm special ammunition and other assorted industrial equipment highlights the scale of the illegal production. “Suspects and recovered items are currently in custody for further exploitation and detailed investigation,” Oteh added.
The Nigerian Army is currently consolidating the covert operation to mop up any remaining arms and ammunition that may have already entered circulation. As the investigation continues, military leadership expressed gratitude to the local community for their cooperation.
“Operation ENDURING PEACE appreciates the support of the citizenry and urges them to be more vigilant and report suspicious activities of criminal elements to security agencies,” Captain Oteh concluded.
