Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have dismantled a suspected illegal arms manufacturing syndicate in Kebbi State, arresting two suspects and recovering five locally fabricated rifles during an intelligence-led operation.
Security sources disclosed that the operation targeted a secluded compound allegedly being used for the production and distribution of locally made firearms to terrorist and bandit groups operating across the North-West region.
According to the sources, troops acted on credible intelligence before storming the hideout and conducting a thorough search of the premises.
The operation resulted in the recovery of five locally fabricated AK-47-style rifles believed to have been manufactured for supply to criminal groups.
“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,” a security source said.
The sources added that two suspected members of the syndicate, believed to be directly involved in the production and distribution of the illicit weapons, were arrested during the raid.
The operation was reportedly carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen inter-agency cooperation in the fight against terrorism, banditry and organised crime.
Security officials described the development as a major setback for criminal networks involved in the illegal manufacture and supply of firearms to armed groups operating within the region.
“This is a significant blow to criminal networks supplying locally fabricated weapons to terrorists and bandits. Efforts to disrupt the illicit arms trade remain a key component of ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations,” the source said.
The arrested suspects are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation as investigators seek to uncover other members of the syndicate, identify its financiers and trace the distribution channels through which the weapons are supplied to criminal elements.
Security agencies have also launched follow-up operations to apprehend other suspects believed to have escaped during the raid and dismantle any remaining components of the illegal arms manufacturing network.
Military authorities urged residents across the North-West to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that community support remains critical to ongoing efforts to rid the region of terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
