The Nigerian military has revealed that several suspects arrested over illegal firearm manufacturing activities in Plateau State admitted supplying locally made weapons to Fulani militias because the buyers offered better prices.
The disclosure was made by the Chief of Staff of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Brigadier General Selong Sule, during a briefing with defence correspondents in Jos. Sule spoke on behalf of the General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Major General Folusho Oyinlola.
According to Sule, some of the suspects initially told investigators that the weapons were being produced for members of their communities for protection purposes. However, further interrogation allegedly uncovered a wider distribution network.
«“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,” Sule said.»
The military described the spread of locally fabricated firearms as a significant challenge to security efforts in Plateau State and surrounding areas.
Sule noted that while some civilians justify possessing weapons for self-defence, the circulation of illegal arms often contributes to criminality and communal clashes.
“The proliferation of locally manufactured firearms remains a major threat to ongoing security operations,” he said.
He emphasized that troops under Operation Safe Haven conduct their operations within the framework of the Nigerian Constitution, military laws, and established rules of engagement, unlike armed civilian groups operating outside legal authority.
The military officer also stated that Operation Safe Haven is increasingly focusing on non-kinetic measures aimed at strengthening relationships with local communities and improving intelligence gathering.
Sule called on the Plateau State Government, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to intensify efforts against illegal arms production and trafficking.
“We encourage the voluntary surrender of illicit weapons and deeper collaboration between communities and security agencies,” he added.
Operation Safe Haven has continued its operations across Plateau and neighbouring states as part of efforts to contain armed violence, kidnapping, and communal unrest in the North-Central region.
