ARMS SUSPECTS IN PLATEAU CONFESS TO SELLING OF WEAPONS TO MILITIAS FOR HIGHER PAY

“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 said that the soldiers in Operation Safe Haven follow the country‘s rules, military laws, and guidelines for using force, which is different from how armed civilians operate.

Sule mentioned that the operation is focusing on peaceful methods to gain the trust of local people and collect more information.

He urged the government of Plateau, local leaders, and community figures to work harder to stop the making of illegal weapons, get more people to hand over their stolen guns, and team up more closely with security groups.