Troops Bust Illegal Arms Factory in Plateau, Arrest Suspects in Kaduna Forest Raid

A covert arms production network has been disrupted in Plateau State after troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE uncovered and raided a hidden weapons manufacturing site in Gwandanu Village, Langtang North.

The operation led to the arrest of two suspects who were allegedly caught in the act of producing firearms. Military authorities described the raid as a targeted strike based on intelligence, aimed at dismantling illegal weapons supply chains fueling insecurity in the region.

According to Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, spokesperson for the joint task force, troops recovered a cache of weapons, including two AK-47 rifles and a G3 rifle, alongside industrial equipment used for fabrication. The items seized ranged from generating sets and welding machines to drilling tools and a full technical toolbox—indicating a structured and ongoing manufacturing operation.

Security experts say the discovery points to a deeper problem: localised arms production that sustains criminal networks without relying solely on external supply routes. This significantly complicates efforts to curb the spread of weapons in conflict-prone areas.

In a separate but related operation, troops deployed to Gidan Waya in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State responded to an attack on members of the Forest Guards and Vigilante Group of Nigeria. The response triggered a pursuit that stretched into the Jaginde Forest axis.

As troops closed in near Ungwar Maruwa, the suspects reportedly abandoned their motorcycle and fled into the bush. One suspect was eventually apprehended, while others escaped.

Recovered from the scene were additional weapons, including an AK-47 rifle, an AK-49 rifle, a motorcycle, and other personal items. Authorities believe these items could provide further leads in tracking the group’s activities.

All arrested suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue to uncover the scale of the arms network and any connections to broader criminal or insurgent operations.