Troops of Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have dismantled an illegal arms factory in Kebbi State, recovering five locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and arresting two suspected gun makers allegedly supplying weapons to terrorist groups.

The operation, which the military said was based on credible intelligence, targeted a secluded compound allegedly used by the suspects to manufacture and stockpile firearms.

The military said the raid formed part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics and curb the proliferation of illicit weapons across the North-West.

Confirming the operation in a statement on Thursday, the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, said the troops acted on credible intelligence to dismantle the illegal arms network.

“Acting on credible intelligence, the troops conducted a carefully planned operation on a secluded compound deliberately concealed by the suspects to evade security detection.

“During a thorough search of the premises, troops recovered five locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and arrested two suspected arms manufacturers and suppliers,” the statement read.

He said the operation was conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, describing it as another breakthrough in efforts to dismantle terrorist logistics and organised criminal networks in the region.

“The operation, conducted in close collaboration with other security agencies, highlights the growing effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics and degrade criminal networks across the North-West,” he stated.

According to Danja, the suspects are in military custody undergoing preliminary interrogation, while investigations have commenced to identify and arrest other members of the syndicate, including its financiers and collaborators.

“Investigations have commenced to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate, uncover their financiers and collaborators, and dismantle the entire illegal arms supply network,” Danja added.

The Theatre Command commended the troops and partner security agencies for the successful operation and urged residents of the North-West to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence.

“Public cooperation remains vital to sustaining ongoing efforts to eliminate criminal elements and enhance security across the region,” the statement said.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA has intensified operations against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes across the North-West in recent months, with security forces targeting armed groups, kidnappers and illegal weapons suppliers in an effort to curb insecurity in the region.