Soldiers dismantle illegal arms factory in Kebbi, arrest two suspects, recover AK-47 rifles

Kebbi raid targets alleged arms manufacturing syndicate

Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have dismantled an illegal arms manufacturing syndicate in Kebbi State, recovering five locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and arresting two suspected gun makers allegedly supplying weapons to terrorist groups.

The operation followed what the military described as credible intelligence and targeted a secluded compound allegedly used by the suspects to manufacture and conceal firearms from security agencies. The development was confirmed in a statement on Thursday by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.

Danja said the raid formed part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics and curb the proliferation of illicit weapons across the North-West. He added that the troops carried out the operation after receiving intelligence on the suspects' activities.

Acting on credible intelligence, the troops conducted a carefully planned operation on a secluded compound deliberately concealed by the suspects to evade security detection. During a thorough search of the premises, troops recovered five locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and arrested two suspected arms manufacturers and suppliers

— Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer, Operation FANSAN YAMMA

Military cites inter-agency collaboration and ongoing investigation

The military said the operation was conducted in collaboration with other security agencies and described it as a major breakthrough in efforts against terrorism and organised crime in the region. According to the statement, the outcome reflects the growing role of inter-agency coordination in disrupting criminal networks.

Danja disclosed that the two suspects are in military custody and are undergoing preliminary interrogation. He said investigations have already commenced to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate, as well as their financiers and collaborators.

The operation, conducted in close collaboration with other security agencies, highlights the growing effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics and degrade criminal networks across the North-West,

— Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer, Operation FANSAN YAMMA

Investigations have commenced to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate, uncover their financiers and collaborators, and dismantle the entire illegal arms supply network,

— Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer, Operation FANSAN YAMMA

The Theatre Command also commended the troops and partner agencies for what it described as professionalism during the operation. It urged residents of the North-West to continue supporting security operations with timely and credible intelligence.

Public cooperation remains vital to sustaining ongoing efforts to eliminate criminal elements and enhance security across the region,

— Statement, Operation FANSAN YAMMA

South-East operation links security personnel to alleged arms supply network

Meanwhile, troops of the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, uncovered an alleged illegal arms supply network involving two officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and one officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

In a separate statement, the Nigerian Army said troops arrested Assistant Superintendent II Obaji Sampson of the NSCDC, Superintendent Tasie Victor Nnamdi, Unit Armourer of the NSCDC Enugu State Command, and Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement over their alleged involvement in supplying arms to criminal elements operating in the South-East.

The Army said the arrests followed intelligence-led operations carried out in collaboration with other security agencies. It added that intelligence from the 82 Military Intelligence Brigade led to the arrest of Obaji Sampson by troops of the 82 Division Provost Group and Sector 2 Operation UDO KA.

Further investigation, according to the statement, led to the arrest of Tasie Victor Nnamdi, identified as the principal supplier of the weapons, and Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement, identified as a major recipient.

Raid in Enugu and arrests in Cross River widen probe

The military also said troops of the 82 Division Garrison and Sector 1 Operation UDO KA, acting on additional intelligence alongside the 82 Division Provost Group, raided a residence at Achara Road, Trans-Ekulu, Golf Estate, Enugu State, where a suspected IPOB/ESN member and gun runner, Friday Nnanna, was arrested.

Items recovered during the Enugu raid included 247 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, 29 live cartridges, four pump-action guns, one Beretta pistol, 11 different vehicle registration plates, improvised explosive device-making materials, assorted swords, one smoke tear gas canister, military accoutrements, other sundry items and four vehicles.

In a related operation in Cross River State, troops of the 245 Battalion, working with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, raided Balep Community along the Ikom–Ogoja Road, arresting three suspects and recovering two Dane guns, one locally made pistol, six cartridges, military web equipment, a woodland camouflage jacket, a strike-face metal plate, an axe and substances suspected to be cannabis.

The Nigerian Army said all suspects and recovered items remain in military custody while investigations continue. It reiterated its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations against criminal elements and their support networks.

The Nigerian Army remains committed to sustaining intelligence-driven operations against criminal elements and their support networks. Troops will continue to work with other security agencies to deny criminals freedom of action, protect lives and property, and support ongoing efforts to enhance peace, security and stability across the country,

— Statement, Nigerian Army