The Yobe State Police Command has dismantled an illicit firearms production centre in Potiskum Local Government Area and apprehended seven individuals suspected of manufacturing weapons illegally.
The suspects were reportedly arrested during a police operation conducted at a blacksmith workshop located in Tasha Adua along Danchuwa Road in Potiskum on Monday.
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This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim.
According to the statement, the breakthrough forms part of the command’s ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities and improve security across the state.
Abdulkarim explained that officers from the Potiskum Area Command, working alongside personnel from the Divisional Police Headquarters, carried out the raid following intelligence reports indicating that firearms were being illegally fabricated at the location.
He said the operation led to the arrest of seven suspects and the recovery of several items believed to be connected to the unlawful production of weapons.
Among the exhibits recovered were two locally fabricated pistols, 24 muzzle barrels, nine gun stocks, four damaged Dane guns, a filing machine and a cutlass.
“The operation followed credible intelligence concerning the activities of blacksmiths allegedly involved in the illegal manufacture of firearms,” the police spokesperson stated.
He added that the suspects remain in police custody while investigations continue to uncover possible accomplices, identify potential buyers and determine the intended use of the weapons.
Abdulkarim further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Usman Kanfani Jibrin, has directed an extensive investigation aimed at uncovering other illegal firearm production centres and evaluating the security risks posed by such operations.
He also appealed to members of the public to remain alert and promptly report any suspicious activities to security agencies for necessary action.
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