Troops storm illegal arms factory, arrest two suspects in Kebbi

Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have dismantled an illegal arms manufacturing syndicate and recovered five locally fabricated rifles during an intelligence-led operation in Kebbi State.

The Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt-Col Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, stating that the troops acted on credible intelligence to dismantle the illegal arms network.

Danja the operation targeted a secluded compound allegedly being used by the syndicate to manufacture and supply locally made firearms to terrorist and bandit groups operating across the North-West.

According to him, acting on credible intelligence, the troops raided the hideout and conducted a thorough search of the premises, leading to the recovery of five locally fabricated AK-47-style rifles.

He added that two suspected members of the syndicate, believed to be involved in the production and distribution of the illicit weapons, were arrested during the operation.

The Operation FANSAN YAMMA’s spokesman noted that the raid was carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, highlighting the growing inter-agency cooperation in ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations in the region.

“The operation was a significant blow to criminal networks supplying locally fabricated weapons to armed groups, noting that efforts to disrupt the illicit arms trade remain a key component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA’s campaign against terrorism and banditry.

“The arrested suspects are currently in custody and are undergoing interrogation to provide intelligence on other members of the syndicate, their financiers, and the distribution network supplying weapons to criminal elements.

“Security agencies have also launched follow-up operations to apprehend fleeing suspects and dismantle the remaining components of the illegal arms manufacturing network,” he said.