The Nigerian Military has assured Nigerians of its commitment to rid the the Nation of threats to public peace and continue to work towards achieving a more peaceful and safer Country.
Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) Commander and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar dropped this hint through the Media Information Officer (MIO), Captian James Oya while parading suspected manufacturers of weapons who were arrested following its operation which led to the discovery of illegal weapon manufacturing factory and recovery of large cache of weapons in Vom Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

He said the Commander of the security outfit since assumption of office disclosed that the ownership of illegal arms by individuals and groups as well as proliferation of illegal local weapon manufacturing factories are the key catalyst to crisis on the Plateau and environs.
He further stated that the Chief of Army staff Lt. Gen. TA Lagbaja while launching Operation Hakorin Damisa 4 sometimes in July 2023 in Mangu Local Government Area, among others, charged the troops to ensure all illegal weapon manufacturing factories are discovered, mopped up and perpetrators arrested or neutralized.

“As it stands today, troops have maintained an offensive posture, conducting several kinetic operations in the form of raid operations on criminal hideouts, rescue operations, cordon and search, stop and search as well as patrols amongst others. I am pleased to inform you that as a result of the ongoing operation, our troops have successfully made yet another significant breakthrough by making another arrest relating to illegal weapon manufacturing syndicate. Two individuals have been apprehended, and a significant weapons manufacturing factory has been discovered and dismantled.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that, the arrested individuals, Micheal Dung 33-years-old and Yusufu Pam 43-years-old were involved in the illegal production of different calibers of weapons locally fabricated in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State from where they sell to their customers in different parts of the country. The weapons manufacturing factory was involved in the production of various firearms, ammunition, and other related dangerous weapons. These weapons pose a grave threat to the security and stability of the state and the nation at large.
“The raid operation carefully executed by the troops led to the recovery of ​6 AK 47 Rifles, 3 skeleton AK 47 Rifles, 1 local Pistol, 11 Rifle Body, 7 Bridge block, 4 Magazines, 210 Springs, 7 Riffle Butts and 8 Riffle Muzzles. Others include, 9 Piston Assembly, 5 Cartridge Housing as well as 1 Drilling Machine and a Hand Filing Machine. The suspects will be charged to court immediately investigations are concluded” he disclosed.

According to him the operation to apprehend these individuals and dismantle the factory was conducted with utmost professionalism and adherence to the rule of law. He said based on concrete intelligence, troops of Operation Safe Haven acted swiftly and decisively to neutralize the threat to public safety.
He disclosed that the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar while appreciating the Chief of Army staff for his strategic guidance that has led to huge successes recently recorded also commended the dedication, bravery, and tireless efforts of the troops who have been working relentlessly to ensure the security and well-being of our citizens.

“Their commitment to duty and their unwavering determination to rid our society of illegal weapons is truly commendable. This arrest and discovery made are significant milestones in our ongoing efforts to tackle the proliferation of illegal weapons. We remain resolute in our commitment to maintaining peace and security in this region.
“Moving forward, we will continue to intensify our operations to identify and apprehend more individuals involved in the illegal manufacturing and circulation of weapons.
We urge the members of the public to support our efforts by providing any relevant information that can assist in our operations. We assure you that the individuals arrested will face the full force of the law, and we will work closely with the appropriate authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and prosecution of those involved in this illegal activity.
“It is pertinent to note that, the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons has been identified as one of the key triggers fueling the crisis on the Plateau and Southern Kaduna. “Nevertheless, Operation SAFE HAVEN remains resolute in mopping up these weapons from all Non state actors. The production of these weapons firing automatic rounds of 7.62mm which is prohibited is also a potent danger that must be eradicated completely” he hinted.

He said the GOC/Commander OPSH is expressing his appreciation to the public for their continued support and cooperation to troops saying together, they will triumph over criminal elements and restore lasting peace and security to the country.

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Nigerian Military Committed to Combat Threats to Public Safety, Says OPSH as it Parades Gunrunning Syndicate