The Nigerian military has revealed that suspects arrested at illegal weapon manufacturing factories in Plateau State confessed to producing and selling locally fabricated firearms to Fulani militias because the armed groups paid more than other buyers, exposing what security authorities described as a major driver of the state’s lingering violence.
Selong Sule, chief of staff of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), spoke while briefing a delegation of defence correspondents in Jos on behalf of Folusho Oyinlola, general officer commanding (GOC) 3 division and commander of Operation Safe Haven.
According to Zagazola Makama, a security publication focused on the Lake Chad region, Sule said intelligence-led operations by troops led to the discovery and dismantling of several illegal gun manufacturing factories across the state.
“We have a lot of illegal weapon manufacturing factories. Recently, based on intelligence, we discovered and busted about three or four of such factories,” he said.
Sule said some of the suspects initially claimed they produced weapons for members of their communities for self-defence but later admitted selling firearms to Fulani militias because they paid more.
“Some of the suspects claimed they manufactured weapons for members of their communities to defend themselves. However, some later confessed that they also sold these weapons to Fulani militias because they paid more,” he said.
Sule described the proliferation of locally manufactured firearms as a major threat to security operations in Plateau.
He said although many civilians justify possessing weapons for self-defence, the circulation of illegal firearms often fuels criminal activities and communal violence.
The military officer added that troops operating under Operation Safe Haven are guided by the constitution, military laws and rules of engagement, unlike armed civilians.
Sule said the operation is also prioritising non-kinetic strategies to build trust with communities and improve intelligence gathering.
He called on the Plateau government, traditional rulers and community leaders to strengthen efforts to curb illegal arms production, encourage the voluntary surrender of illicit weapons and deepen collaboration with security agencies.
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