Troops Uncover Gun Manufacturing Syndicate In Kaduna State

The Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Armoured Division, led by Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, OPSH troops have dismantled a dangerous gun manufacturing syndicate operating in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The operation, which stemmed from a week-long intelligence effort, resulted in the capture of a notorious gunrunner, Napoleon John, who had long been sought by OPSH authorities. John’s confession led the troops to a concealed factory where various firearms were being produced and sold by another criminal, Monday Dunia, who admitted to running this illicit business for over five years, exacerbating tensions in Kaduna and neighbouring Plateau States.

A meticulous search of the factory led to the seizure of 22 different weapons, including 7 pistols, 2 locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, 2 military-grade AK-47 rifles, and 9 revolvers. Additionally, one submachine gun, rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, machine tools, and a gas cylinder were discovered.

In a subsequent operation that spanned from midnight on September 21 to the early hours of September 22, 2033, troops raided another hideout in Adua 1 village in Kafanchan. Here, they captured 2 x AK-47 Rifles, 2 x revolver rifles, live rounds of 9mm and 7.62 ammunition, 6 x dangerous daggers, one x hacker axe, and several empty cases of 7.62mm special rounds. Among the recovered items were also 2 mobile phones, one fragmental jacket, 2 police uniforms, one military camouflage trousers, one ammunition magazine carrier, one pistol holster, one military-grade camel pouch, one police combat helmet, 2 masks, 4 identity cards, gunpowder, shrapnels, charms, amulets, machine tools, and other equipment.

The primary mastermind of the illegal operation, whose name is currently withheld, remains at large but is under pursuit by authorities.

Commander General AE Abubakar commended the troops for their unwavering commitment and resolve in tackling criminal activities in the region. He pledged to ensure that all fleeing syndicate members are apprehended and brought to justice. Additionally, he issued a stern warning to sponsors and perpetrators of criminality to abandon their illicit activities and embrace lawful means of livelihood.

General Abubakar also expressed gratitude to the general public for their support in the fight against criminality and urged them to continue providing actionable information to the troops. He assured that such information would be handled with the utmost secrecy and confidentiality.

This successful operation comes after a stern warning issued by the GOC/Commander OPSH to criminals during a stakeholders’ engagement with traditional and religious leaders on September 10, 2023, in Zangon Kataf.