EXCLUSIVE: Army Troops Bust Illegal Arms Factory in Plateau, Arrest Five Suspected Berom Militia Members Aiding Attacks

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have uncovered illegal arms manufacturing sites in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State and arrested five suspected Berom militia members linked to the fabrication of weapons used in attacks across the state.

Security sources disclosed that the suspects were arrested on Wednesday during a coordinated raid operation conducted by the Quick Response Force (QRF) of Headquarters OPEP at Vom community following weeks of intelligence gathering and covert surveillance.

According to the sources, the operation targeted two separate illegal arms manufacturing sites where the suspects were allegedly caught in the act of fabricating weapons for attacks and silent killings.

Items recovered during the raid included nine fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally made pistol, four empty magazines, seven skeleton AK-47 rifles and 10 rifle butts.

Troops also recovered 36 empty shells of 7.62mm special ammunition, four revolver engines, 14 recoiling springs, six hand drilling machines, nine filing machines, four welding machines and other tools used for weapon fabrication.

“The operation followed extensive human intelligence activities aimed at identifying arms proliferation networks and illegal weapon manufacturing cells operating within Plateau communities,” a security source said.

The suspects and recovered weapons have been taken into custody at Headquarters OPEP for further investigation.

Security sources said ongoing covert operations were being intensified to track other illegal arms manufacturers and recover weapons proliferated across Plateau State.

The latest discovery comes amid renewed attacks and reprisals in parts of Plateau, particularly in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas, where communities have witnessed recurring violence involving armed groups, militias and criminal elements.

“This one the third armed factory that have been discovered within three weeks,”said the sources.

Security assessments indicate that while attacks in Plateau are often attributed solely to suspected Fulani militias or bandits, several armed groups within local communities, including ethnic Berom militias, have also been implicated in series of attacks, reprisals, attack on mining sites, illegal possession of firearms and violent attacks.

The security sources noted that some militia elements within the Berom communities had been linked to attacks, counter-attacks and the circulation of illicit weapons, further complicating the security situation in the state.

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have in recent weeks intensified raids, patrols and intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling armed networks and restoring stability across Plateau communities.

Troops Rescue Remaining Victims Abducted from Lokoja Orphanage

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the 12 Brigade Black Force have rescued the remaining victims abducted during the attack on Dahallukitab Orphanage in Lokoja, Kogi State.

Security sources disclosed that the victims were rescued at about 6:01 p.m. on Tuesday during an operation conducted within the Agbaja Forest area of Lokoja Local Government Area.

The victims, comprising five boys, two girls and two adult females, including wives of the proprietor of the orphanage, were among those kidnapped during the attack on the orphanage on April 16, 2026.

According to the sources, troops intercepted the kidnappers while intensifying search and rescue operations in the forested area, leading to the successful rescue of all the remaining captives.

“The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to the Brigade Medical Centre where they received first aid and medical attention,” the source said.

Security agencies have sustained clearance and rescue operations across parts of Kogi State following rising cases of kidnapping and criminal activities along forest corridors linking the North-Central region.

Troops Rescue Remaining Victims Abducted from Lokoja Orphanage

Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested a suspected kidnapper in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Sources disclosed that the suspect was apprehended at about 11:20 a.m. on May 6 by troops of Sector 4 deployed at Gashish following credible intelligence.

The sources said the operation was carried out at Kara village in Barkin Ladi LGA.

According to the sources, the suspect was arrested during a targeted operation based on actionable intelligence on criminal activities within the area.

“The suspect is currently in military custody for further investigation and necessary action,” the sources said.

The military added that troops had continued to intensify intelligence-driven operations across Plateau to curb kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities threatening peace in affected communities.

Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper in Plateau