Troops Smash Illegal Arms Factory in Kebbi, Arrest Two Suspected Gun Suppliers to Terrorists

Troops of Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have dismantled an illegal arms manufacturing syndicate in Kebbi State, arresting two suspected gun manufacturers and recovering locally fabricated assault rifles allegedly destined for terrorist groups.

The operation, carried out on the strength of credible intelligence, targeted a secluded compound allegedly used by the suspects to manufacture and distribute locally made firearms while evading security surveillance.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops recovered five locally fabricated AK-47 rifles during a thorough search of the premises.

The military said the suspects are believed to be part of a criminal network supplying weapons to terrorist groups operating within Kebbi State and neighbouring areas.

The statement noted that the raid was conducted in close collaboration with other security agencies, describing the success as a testament to the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in disrupting terrorist logistics and dismantling criminal networks across the North-West.

It added that the operation forms part of the ongoing campaign by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to stem the proliferation of illicit firearms and deny terrorists access to weapons used in carrying out attacks.

The two suspects are currently in military custody and undergoing preliminary interrogation, while investigations have commenced to identify other members of the syndicate, trace its financiers and collaborators, and dismantle the entire illegal arms supply network.

The Theatre Command commended the professionalism and dedication of the troops and partner security agencies involved in the operation.

It also appealed to residents across the North-West to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, dismantle criminal networks, and improve security in the region.