Nigerian police in Yobe State have dismantled an illegal firearms fabrication site in Potiskum, arresting seven suspects and recovering multiple weapons and manufacturing tools. The operation, conducted by operatives of the Potiskum Area Command in collaboration with the Divisional Police Headquarters, followed credible intelligence that pointed to illicit weapon production at a blacksmith workshop in Tasha Adua along Danchuwa Road. The swift raid, carried out on Wednesday in Damaturu, the state capital, underscores ongoing efforts to curb arms proliferation in the region.
According to SP Dungus Abdulkarim, the State Police Public Relations Officer, the police team arrived at the workshop and seized two fabricated pistols, 24 muzzle pipes, nine gun butts, four unserviceable Dane guns, one filing machine, and one sharp cutlass. These items were found in various stages of production, indicating an organized and active operation. The suspects, whose identities have not yet been disclosed, are currently in custody and undergoing thorough interrogation to uncover links to other criminal networks and potential buyers.
Abdulkarim emphasized that the investigation aims to identify collaborators, trace distribution channels, and determine the intended use of the fabricated firearms. He noted that such illegal activities pose a serious threat to public safety and national security, especially in a region that has faced persistent insecurity challenges. The State Commissioner of Police, Usman Jibrin, has instructed officers to intensify the probe, expand the search for additional illegal fabrication sites, and assess the full extent of the security risk posed by these operations.
The Yobe State Police Command also issued a public advisory, urging citizens to refrain from allowing their properties to be used for unlawful activities, including the production of dangerous weapons. Residents were encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or security agency. This proactive stance reflects the command’s commitment to community engagement and crime prevention.
The discovery of the workshop highlights the growing challenge of homemade firearms in Nigeria, particularly in the North-East, where such weapons are often used in armed conflicts and criminal acts. Authorities continue to strengthen surveillance and intelligence gathering to preempt such operations. As investigations proceed, the police are expected to release further details on the suspects and any broader network involved. This operation marks a significant step in the fight against illegal arms trafficking and could serve as a deterrent to others engaged in similar criminal enterprises.
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