By Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE,OPWS,have uncovered an illegal arms factory in Agwatashi, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, and arrested a suspect.
Force Commander,of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General, Moses Gara in a statement said troops, deployed at Forward Operating Base,FOB, Idadu, were conducting routine patrols when they discovered the concealed location suspected to be used for manufacturing locally fabricated weapons.
The statement signed by Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Ahmad Zubairu made available to journalists in Makurdi, indicates that a suspect, Baba Ogar, 26, was apprehended while attempting to evade arrest by hiding on top of a tree with several others fleeing on sighting the patrol.
He further revealed that a thorough search of the site led to the recovery of six locally fabricated pistols, assorted tools, ₦40,500, and a mobile phone.
Gara further disclosed that preliminary investigations indicates that the location served as an illegal arms manufacturing site supplying criminal elements with firearms within and beyond the area.
The Force Commander, who said the arrested suspect is currently in custody while investigation is intensified to apprehend the fleeing accomplices to the crime, commended troops for their professionalism, vigilance and sustained Operational pressure which culminated in the discovery of the illegal arms production facility.
He also charged personnel to maintain the momentum as well as continue to rely on intelligence – driven operations to dismantle criminal networks within the joint operations area.
Gara emphasized the critical role of public cooperation, urging residents to continue to provide timely and credible intelligence, to achieve lasting security.
