Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), announced on Wednesday that its troops, under the banner of HAKORIN DAMISA IV, uncovered a clandestine gun manufacturing operation housed within a building in Pakachi Village, located in the Mangu local government area of Plateau State. This operation led to the arrest of one individual found on the premises, alongside the seizure of a significant cache of firearms and ammunition.
This discovery is particularly notable given the recent efforts by security forces to quell a spate of communal violence in the Mangu area, which has resulted in both loss of life and property damage.
According to a statement released by Captain Oya James, the operation’s spokesperson, the illegal gun factory was located during a clearance operation executed by the troops in challenging mountainous terrain. They encountered an isolated structure which, upon investigation, was revealed to be dedicated to the production of weapons, strategically placed on elevated ground within the village.
The operation culminated in the capture of 25-year-old Mr. Tapshak Plangji, suspected of participating in the unlawful manufacture of weapons at the site. Meanwhile, Mr. Nuhu Meshack, believed to be the owner of the operation, remains at large, with ongoing efforts to apprehend him.
The haul from the factory included 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, and numerous other items essential for the manufacture of firearms.
Captain James highlighted the operation’s success as evidence of the troops’ dedication, working in tandem with other security agencies, to combat the illegal proliferation of arms and criminal activities within the community.