The Nigerian Army has said that suspects arrested over illegal arms manufacturing in Plateau State admitted selling locally made firearms to Fulani militias because they offered higher payments.
The disclosure was made by the Chief of Staff of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Selong Sule, while briefing defence correspondents in Jos on behalf of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Major General Folusho Oyinlola.
According to Sule, some of the suspects initially claimed they produced weapons solely to help members of their communities defend themselves. However, further investigations revealed that some also sold the firearms to Fulani militias for financial gain.
“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.
He described the growing spread of locally manufactured firearms as a major security challenge in Plateau State, warning that while some civilians justify owning weapons for self-defence, illegal arms often end up fuelling criminal activities and communal violence.
Sule stressed that troops operating under Operation Safe Haven carry out their duties in line with the Constitution, military laws and established rules of engagement, unlike armed civilians.
He added that the operation is increasingly adopting non-kinetic approaches aimed at strengthening community trust and improving intelligence gathering to tackle insecurity.
The military officer also urged the Plateau State Government, traditional rulers and community leaders to intensify efforts to curb illegal arms production, encourage the voluntary surrender of illicit weapons and strengthen cooperation with security agencies.
