Security operatives have uncovered an illegal firearms fabrication site in Giroji Village, Makarfi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, leading to the arrest of four suspects allegedly involved in the production and distribution of locally made weapons.

According to a report shared on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama on Saturday, the operation was conducted following credible intelligence about suspicious activities around a residential building in the village, which prompted a swift surveillance operation by the security forces.

Two suspects, identified as Shuaibu Abubakar, 35, and Ismail Shuaibu, 18, both from Unguwar Mani Danshoshiya in Kiru LGA of Kano State, were caught in the act of manufacturing firearms and ammunition during the raid.

A thorough search of the location led to the recovery of several incriminating items including three locally made firearms, three skeletal gun frames, 14 cartridges, and five live T.06 rounds. The operatives also seized manufacturing equipment such as a bench vice machine, filing and welding machines, binding wire, several iron rods and pipes, and a bunch of keys.

Further investigation resulted in the arrest of two additional suspects: Hassan Ibrahim of Giroji Village and Murtala Yakubu of Kari in Makarfi. Both men are reportedly members of a local vigilante group, raising concerns about the potential misuse of their positions.

The suspects are said to have provided useful information during preliminary interrogation. The case has been handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.

This bust comes amid growing concerns about the proliferation of illegal firearms in northern Nigeria, which has contributed to the region's security challenges including banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes.

Security experts have long identified local manufacturing of weapons as a significant source of illegal arms in circulation across the country, with such operations often hidden in remote villages to evade detection.

The successful operation highlights the importance of intelligence-led security initiatives in combating the spread of illegal weapons in Nigeria's northern states.

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