Nigerian Army nabs illegal arms hoarders, apprehends suspects in Plateau

The Nigerian Army has successfully apprehended individuals hoarding illegal weapons in Plateau State through a meticulously executed operation.

According to the Nigerian Army, the motivation behind the operation was the imperative need to eliminate insurgents and terrorists from the state plagued by terror.

Numerous weapons, including AK-47 rifles and other potentially hazardous chemicals, were found by the troops.

In a remarkable development, the vigilant troops of Operation Safe Haven, operating under the strategic banner of Hakorin Damisa IV, have successfully uncovered a clandestine weapons production facility concealed within the confines of Pakachi Village, nestled in the heart of Mangu Local Government Area in Plateau State.

In a groundbreaking and commendable turn of events, the diligent forces of Operation Safe Haven, executing their mission under the strategic banner of Hakorin Damisa IV, have achieved a significant breakthrough by exposing an undisclosed weapons manufacturing facility meticulously hidden within the boundaries of Pakachi Village. This clandestine setup was surreptitiously operating in the heart of Mangu Local Government Area, situated in the scenic landscapes of Plateau State.

As per a post shared on the military’s official handle on X, the individual in question, Mr. Tapshak Plangji, a 25-year-old male, is suspected to be engaged in illicit activities at the discovered factory. The troops are actively pursuing the alleged owner, Mr. Nuhu Meshack, who managed to evade capture during the operation.

According to reports, the items recovered from the factory include 17 gun barrels, 4 AK 47 rifles, 11 pistols with 5 magazines, 6 rounds of 0.44-inch ammunition, 4 revolver rifles, 11 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 5 AK 47 magazines, 2 electrically operated filing machines, 3 saws, 21 Dane guns, 4 hammers, one Tiger generator, one spraying machine, 5 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 12 filing machines, 2 G-Clamps, 6 manual drilling machines, a carbide cylinder with accessories, and assorted drilling irons.
The troops have taken the suspect, Mr. Plangji, and the seized weapons and equipment into custody for further investigation
He said: “I was only working for Mr. Meshack, who paid me to make guns for him. I don’t know where he gets the materials or who he sells them to.
The military’ aim to rid the problematic Plateau State regions of criminal activity led to the operation. To accomplish this, the soldiers cooperated with several security services.
They said: “We are committed to fighting against illegal arms proliferation and criminal activities within our communities. We appreciate the support and cooperation of the local communities in providing us with useful information and intelligence.”
The operation also made clear how crucial it is for security services and local communities to work together to protect our country from the threats presented by the production and trafficking of illegal weapons.