Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have foiled the activities of some people engaged in the production of locally made rifles and pistols within the Abuja metropolis.
This was revealed in a statement signed on Wednesday by Babawale Afolabi, the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer.
According to Afolabi, the criminal attempt was foiled following a tip-off and the NSCDC Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation, under Surveillance and Monitoring (DII-SM), swiftly acted on credible intelligence, leading to the apprehension of seven suspects.
“Acting on a tip off that a group of individuals were manufacturing Semi-automatic Rifles and Pistols at Moshood Abiola National Stadium area in Abuja; the DII-SM acted based on credible intelligence and the 7 suspects were caught in the act,” Afolabi stated.
The suspects, identified as Amos Iyawo, Jonah Mannaseh, Ezekiel Nannim, Naifa Pando, Euphemia Peter, Faith Gadang, and Philemon Karam, were reportedly caught red-handed in the act of manufacturing semi-automatic rifles and pistols.
Furthermore, it was discovered upon interrogation that the firearms were intended for sale.
“From the confessional statements volunteered by the suspects, we gathered that Amos Iyawo is the leader of the team and that he recruited others to participate as manufacturers of the Rifles.
“He further intimated to us that none of the Rifles or Pistols have been sold out as the production just commenced.
“During interrogations, the suspect confessed that he found the locally made Pistol while on operations with the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) at Durumi in Abuja,” Afolabi disclosed.
The DII-SM recovered 5 already fabricated Rifles,1 Pisto, 1 unfinished Rifle, 7 empty Cartridges, 2 boots, rods, welding machine, filling machine,2 Searchlight, 3 pliers, Shovel, Cutlass and Axes, Hunters ID card and belt from the suspects.
The statement noted that all seized items, along with the suspects, will be handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
In response to the operation, NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, highlighted the importance of intelligence gathering and collaboration among security agencies.
He said the NSCDC remained committed to combatting criminal activities, including crude oil theft, illegal dealings in petroleum products, illegal mining, and vandalism of public utilities.
DAudi urged the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing actionable intelligence, emphasizing the collective effort required to achieve national security objectives and realize the government’s Renewed Hope agen.
