Gun Factory Uncovered in Southern Kaduna, Weapons Recovered
On September 23, 2023, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), a military task force maintaining peace in Plateau, Bauchi, and Kaduna States, uncovered a gun factory at Kafachan, Jama’a Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State. The factory was raided after a week-long intelligence operation led to the capture of a wanted gunrunner, Napoleon John.
Troops also arrested one Monday Dunia, another suspected gunrunner, and recovered a large number of weapons and ammunition, including:
- Seven pistols
- Two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles
- Two military-grade AK-47 rifles
- Nine revolvers
- One submachine gun
- Rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
- Machine tools
- One gas cylinder
In a follow-up operation, troops raided another hideout in Adua 1 community of Kafanchan and recovered additional weapons and ammunition, including:
- Two AK-47 rifles
- Two revolver rifles
- Live rounds of 9mm and 7.62 ammunition
- Six dangerous daggers
- One hacker axe
- Several empty cases of 7.62mm special rounds
- Two mobile phones
- One fragmental jacket
- Two Police uniforms
- One pair of military camouflage trousers
- One ammunition magazine carrier
- One pistol holster
- One military-grade camel pouch
- One police combat helmet
- Two masks
- Four identity cards
- Gunpowder
- Shrapnels
- Charms
- Amulets
Impact of the Gun Factory on the Crisis in Southern Kaduna
The discovery of the gun factory in Southern Kaduna is a major blow to the criminals and insurgents who have been using illegal weapons to fuel the crisis in the region. The factory was producing a large number of weapons, which were being used to commit crimes such as murder, kidnapping, and robbery.
The closure of the factory will help to reduce the availability of illegal weapons in Southern Kaduna and make it more difficult for criminals and insurgents to operate. This will have a positive impact on the security situation in the region and help to create a more peaceful environment for the people of Southern Kaduna.
Measures to Prevent the Future Establishment of Gun Factories in Southern Kaduna
The Nigerian government and security forces must take steps to prevent the future establishment of gun factories in Southern Kaduna and other parts of the country. This can be done by:
- Increasing intelligence gathering and surveillance activities in areas where there is a high risk of gun manufacturing
- Carrying out regular raids on suspected gun factories and hideouts
- Arresting and prosecuting gunrunners and other individuals involved in the illegal arms trade
- Working with neighboring countries to crack down on the cross-border smuggling of weapons
The government should also take steps to address the root causes of the crisis in Southern Kaduna, such as poverty, unemployment, and youth restiveness. By addressing these issues, the government can make it less likely that people will turn to crime and violence.
Conclusion
The discovery and closure of the gun factory in Southern Kaduna is a welcome development. It is a sign that the Nigerian government and security forces are committed to tackling the illegal arms trade and making the country safer for all.
However, more needs to be done to prevent the future establishment of gun factories and to address the root causes of the crisis in Southern Kaduna. By working together, the government, security forces, and the people of Southern Kaduna can create a more peaceful and prosperous future for the region.
