Police Raid Illegal Firearms Workshop in Potiskum, Arrest Suspects

Police Raid Illegal Firearms Workshop in Potiskum, Arrest Suspects

The Yobe State Police Command has uncovered an illegal firearms fabrication site in Potiskum, arresting seven suspects in a major security operation aimed at curbing gun violence and armed criminality in the state. The raid, conducted on June 2, 2026, by operatives of the Potiskum Area Command, followed credible intelligence pointing to the illegal production of dane guns and other firearms at Tasha Adua along Danchuwa Road. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, confirmed the operation in a statement, highlighting the state’s commitment to strengthening security and dismantling networks involved in weapon smuggling and fabrication.

During the raid, security operatives recovered a significant haul of weapons and equipment, including two fabricated pistols, 24 muzzle pipes, nine gun butts, four unserviceable dane guns, one filing machine, and one sharp cutlass. These items indicate a well-organized and ongoing operation aimed at producing functional firearms for illicit use. The suspects, all blacksmiths, are currently being interrogated to determine their full involvement, identify any accomplices, and trace potential buyers or users of the fabricated weapons.

SP Abdulkarim emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and will focus on uncovering the broader network behind the illegal factory. He noted that authorities are also assessing the level of threat posed by such activities to public safety and national security. The Commissioner of Police, Usman Kanfani Jibrin, has directed officers to intensify their probe, expand surveillance, and locate other possible illegal firearms fabrication sites in the region.

The police command has issued a stern warning to residents, urging them not to allow their properties to be used for unlawful activities, particularly the production of dangerous weapons. They also called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or security agency. This proactive approach reflects the state’s determination to tackle the root causes of insecurity, including the proliferation of homemade firearms.

The discovery of the fabrication site underscores the persistent challenge of illegal weapon production in northern Nigeria, where such activities often fuel armed banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes. The Yobe State Police Command’s swift response demonstrates its readiness to act on intelligence and protect communities. As investigations continue, authorities are expected to release further details on the suspects and their connections. This operation is a significant step in the state’s broader strategy to restore peace and ensure law and order prevail.