The Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN while conducting Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV have uncovered a gun manufacturing factory in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State and recovered an array of weapons.
The discovery followed a week-long intelligence operation that finally led to the capture of a wanted gunrunner Napoleon John who has been on the wanted list of OPERATION SAFE HAVEN.
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, who confessed to having been in the business for more than five years, fuelling the crisis in Kaduna and neighbouring Plateau States.
A thorough search of the factory led to the recovery of 22 different weapons including 7 pistols, 2 locally fabricated AK 47 rifles, 2 military grade AK 47 rifles and 9 revolvers. Others include one submachine gun, rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, machine tools and a gas cylinder.
In a follow-up operation by midnight, up till early hours of Friday, 22 September 2023, troops raided another hideout in Adua 1 village in Kafanchan and captured additional 2 x AK-47 Rifles, 2 x revolver rifles, live rounds of 9mm and 7.62 ammunitions, 6 x dangerous daggers, one x hacker axe, several empty cases of 7.62mm special rounds, 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 and amulets. Also recovered were machine tools and other equipment. The major kingpin whose name is withheld is still on the run but will soon be apprehended.
While commending the troops for their doggedness and resilience, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander OPSH vowed to ensure all fleeing syndicate members were arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.
He warned sponsors and perpetrators of criminalities to immediately abandon their evil ways and embrace lawful means of livelihood.
General Abdulsalam Abubakar also appreciated the general public for their unwavering support in the fight against criminality and urged them not to relent in furnishing the troops with actionable information. He further assured the public that he treated the information provided with utmost secrecy and confidentiality.
Recall that the GOC/Commander OPSH issued a stern warning to criminals during a stakeholders’ engagement with traditional and religious leaders on 10 September 2023 held at Zangon Kataf.
Dominica Nwabufo
