Nigerian Army Arrests Plateau Vigilante Over Possession Of Locally Fabricated Rifle Used For Community Protection To Combat Terror Attacks
The Nigerian Army has arrested a local vigilante member in Plateau State over the alleged illegal possession of a locally fabricated rifle said to have been used for community protection amid repeated terrorist attacks in parts of the state.
Troops of Operation Ensuring Peace (OPEP) had last week arrested five suspected illegal arms fabricators and recovered a cache of weapons during a raid operation in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau.
This is contained in an operational report by the Nigerian Army, made available to newsmen in Abuja on Friday.
The report said that the operation was conducted on Thursday at about 15;00 hours at Vom community, following credible human intelligence (HUMINT) on the activities of illegal arms manufacturers in the area.
It said troops of OPEP carried out a well-coordinated raid on two identified fabrication sites, where the suspects were caught in the act of manufacturing illegal weapons.
“During the operation, five suspects were arrested, while troops recovered nine fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally fabricated pistol, seven skeleton AK-47 rifles, four empty magazines, and 10 rifle butt stocks.
“Other items recovered include 36 empty shells of 7.62mm special ammunition, four revolver components, 14 recoiling springs, six hand drilling machines, nine filing machines, four welding machines, and other assorted tools used for arms fabrication,” it said.
The report added that the suspects and recovered exhibits were currently in custody for further investigation.
It also said that follow-up covert operations were ongoing to consolidate gains and mop up remaining illegal arms networks within the Plateau operational environment.
According to the report, the operation forms part of sustained efforts by OPEP to curb illicit arms proliferation and strengthen peace and security in the North-Central region.
Meanwhile, following the arrest, the spotlight has recently turned to the arrest of a local community watchman, whose primary responsibility involved patrolling and securing the peace in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
According to report, this individual, a youth actively participating in community safety initiatives, was taken into custody during a comprehensive security operation conducted by the troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP). The authorities revealed that the watchman was found in possession of a locally fabricated rifle.
Justifying the arrest, military and security officials said they are against any form of unauthorized armed mobilization, irrespective of the ethnic or communal motivations behind such actions.
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They issued stern warnings about the implications of allowing illegal arms to circulate under the pretense of community protection, indicating that this not only threatens ongoing peace initiatives but also undermines military operations aimed at stabilizing Plateau State.
