Troops Bust Plateau Gun-Making Factory

Security operatives under the aegis of Operation Safe Haven, OPSH, have uncovered a gun-manufacturing factory in the troubled Mangu council area of Plateau State. 

A sstatement released by spokesperson of the command, Captain Oya James, on Wednesday, explained that the troops, under the Hakorin Damisa IV sub unit, also apprehended one suspect, identified as Tapshak Plangji, 25, believed to be involved in illegal activities in the area.

He was arrested in the building where a large cache of arms and ammunitions were also recovered. 

The statement further explained that the discovery was made while the troops, in conjunction with sister security agencies, were conducting a general search around Mangu flashpoints.

“Troops of the operation discovered an isolated structure which turned out to be a weapons fabrication factory situated on a high ground in the village.

“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.

“Items recovered from the facility include: 5 AK 47 Rifles, 4 AK 47 Magazines, 11 Rounds of 7.62mm Ammunition, Rounds of 9mm Ammunition, 21 Dane Guns, 4 Revolver Rifles, 11 Pistols with 5 Magazines, 17 Gun Barrels, 6 Rounds of 0.44 Inch Ammunition;

“A Carbide Cylinder with Accessories , 3 Saws, 12 Filing Machines, 4 Hammers, 6 Manual Drilling Machines, 2 Electrically Operated Filing Machines, 2 G-Clamps, one Spraying Machine, one Tiger Generator, and Assorted Drilling Irons,” Captain James said in the statement.

The successful operation, James further explained, is a pointer to the seriousness attached to the war against illegal arms proliferation in the area. 

“The successful operation was a testament to the commitment of the troops in collaboration with other security agencies in the fight against illegal arms proliferation and criminal activities within our communities.”

Mangu council area is one of the troubled areas in Plateau where lives have been lost to lingering communal crises sources attribute to economic, political and religious differences.