The Special Military Task Force in charge of maintaining peace in Plateau State, on Wednesday, said its troops raided some mountains in the Mangu Local Government Area of the state and uncovered a weapon factory in the area.
The spokesman for the military task force, Capt. Oya James, said the troops recovered arms and ammunition of assorted types and machines while one suspect was also arrested.
The Mangu LGA of Plateau State has in recent times witnessed incessant attacks and killings my gunmen.
Last week,the President of the Baptist Conference in the State, Rev Koeleh Saleh, disclosed that over 62 members of his church, including pastors and their children, were killed during the various attacks that occurred in several communities in Mangu and the neighbouring Bokkos LGA of the state in the past eight months.
Last Christmas Eve, gunmen attacked 15 communities in the Bokkos LGA, killing over 100 residents, burning over 200 houses and leaving about 10,000 people displaced.
In a statement on Wednesday, the military joint task force spokesman said, “In its determination to clear troubled regions of Plateau State from criminal activities, troops of Operation Safe Haven under Hakorin Damisa IV, during a clearance operation on rugged mountainous terrains, discovered an isolated structure which turned out to be a weapons fabrication factory situated on a high ground in Pakachi Village, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
“During the operation, a significant number of illicit firearms and related equipment were recovered and one suspect apprehended. The operation resulted in the arrest of Mr. Tapshak Plangji, a 25-year-old male, suspected to be involved in the illegal activities at the factory. The alleged owner of the facility, Mr. Nuhu Meshack, is currently at large and efforts are underway to bring him to justice.”
James said the troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines,11 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, five rounds of 9mm ammunition, 21 Dane guns, four revolver rifles, 11 pistols, five magazines,17 gun barrels, six rounds of 0.44-inch ammunition.
Others include a carbide cylinder with accessories, three saws,12 filing machines, four hammers, six manual drilling machines, two electrically-operated filing machines, two G-clamps, one spraying machine, one generator and assorted drilling irons.
He said, “The suspect, Mr. Plangji, along with the recovered rifles and other items, are currently in the custody of the troops for further investigation.
“The successful operation is a testament to the commitment of the troops in collaboration with other security agencies to the fight against illegal arms proliferation and criminal activities within our communities. It also underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between security agencies and local communities in safeguarding our nation from threats posed by illicit arms production and trafficking.”
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