Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have uncovered an illegal arms factory in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. The operation, which led to the arrest of a key suspect, marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing fight against criminal activities in the region.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, the discovery came as a result of the sustained and aggressive operational tempo designed to curb criminality across the region. The troops, stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Idadu, were conducting routine patrols when they stumbled upon a concealed location suspected to be an illegal weapons manufacturing site.
Uncovering the Arms Factory
While on patrol, the soldiers encountered several individuals who fled the scene upon spotting the approaching troops. However, one suspect, identified as Baba Ogar, a 26-year-old male from Arusu village in Kokona Local Government Area, was apprehended after attempting to evade capture by hiding in a tree.
A thorough search of the site led to the recovery of several pieces of evidence, including six locally fabricated pistols, assorted tools and instruments believed to be used for the production of illicit weapons, a sum of ₦40,500, and a mobile phone in the suspect’s possession. Preliminary investigations have indicated that the factory was actively supplying firearms to criminal elements both within and beyond Nasarawa State.
Ongoing Investigations
The suspect, Baba Ogar, is currently in custody, and investigations have been intensified to apprehend other accomplices who fled the scene. OPWS spokesperson Lt. Zubairu confirmed that the search for these individuals remains ongoing, with military intelligence playing a crucial role in tracking down all those involved in the illegal operation.
The Force Commander of OPWS, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism, vigilance, and the sustained operational pressure that led to the discovery of the arms manufacturing site. He emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in the fight against criminal elements and urged his team to continue conducting intelligence-driven operations to dismantle criminal networks within the Joint Operations Area.
Public Cooperation Key to Security
Maj.-Gen. Gara also underscored the vital role of public cooperation in achieving lasting security in the region. He encouraged residents to continue providing timely and credible intelligence, acknowledging that actionable information remains essential to creating a secure environment conducive to economic growth.
In a related development, a report by PUNCH Online highlighted an important rescue operation carried out by the Nasarawa State Police Command. On January 18, police officers intercepted a vehicle carrying 17 suspected victims of human trafficking. The victims, ranging in age from 10 to 19, were reportedly being transported from Shendam, Plateau State, to Kayama in Kwara State under the false promise of securing farming jobs.
The Broader Fight Against Criminality
The discovery of the illegal arms factory and the rescue of trafficking victims underscore the ongoing efforts by security forces in Nasarawa and surrounding states to curb criminal activities ranging from arms trafficking to human exploitation. As the Nigerian military continues to ramp up its operations, officials remain hopeful that more illicit operations will be uncovered and disrupted.
With military forces and law enforcement agencies working in tandem, authorities are optimistic that these aggressive operations will contribute to the broader objective of establishing lasting peace and security in the region, thereby fostering a safer environment for economic activities and community development.
