The operatives of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), a military task force maintaining peace in Plateau, Bauchi, and Kaduna states, have uncovered a gun factory at Kafanchan in the Jama’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The spokesperson of the operation, Capt. James Oya, made the disclosure in a statement on Saturday, September 23, 2023.

Oya stated that the troops also arrested a suspected gunrunner, Napoleon John, and recovered various types of weapons and ammunition.

He explained that the feat was possible owing to a week-long operation conducted by the troops.

The OPSH spokesman noted: “In line with our resolve to deal decisively with sponsors and perpetrators of crime as well as mopping up illegal weapons in our joint operation area, our troops have uncovered a gun manufacturing factory in Kafanchan, Jama’a LGA of Kaduna State.

“This followed a week-long intelligence operation that finally led to the capture of a wanted gunrunner, Napoleon John, who has been on our wanted list.

“The suspect, who confessed to the crime, led troops to a concealed factory where arms of different calibre were sold by another miscreant identified as Monday Dunia.

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“Dunia confessed to have been in the business for more than five years, fuelling the crisis in Kaduna State and neighbouring Plateau.

“A thorough search of the factory led to the recovery of 22 different weapons, including seven pistols, two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, two military grade AK-47 rifles, and nine revolvers.”

Oya disclosed that the troops also recovered one submachine gun, rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, machine tools, and a gas cylinder.

He added: “In a follow-up operation held between Thursday night and early hours of Friday, troops raided another hideout in Adua 1 community of Kafanchan and recovered additional two AK-47 rifles, two revolver rifles, live rounds of 9mm and 7.62 ammunitions, six dangerous daggers, one hacker axe.

“Several empty cases of 7.62mm special rounds, two mobile phones, one fragmental jacket, two Police uniforms, one pair of military camouflage trousers, one ammunition magazine carrier, one pistol holster, and one military grade camel pouch were recovered.

“We also recovered one police combat helmet, two masks, four identity cards, gunpowder, shrapnels, charms, and amulets.

Oya quoted the Commander of the operation, Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, as commending the troops for the feat and urged them to do more.

He, however, warned sponsors and perpetrators of criminalities to abandon their evil ways and embrace lawful means of livelihood.

The Star