Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigerian military has revealed that suspects arrested during raids on illegal weapon manufacturing factories in Plateau State confessed to selling locally fabricated firearms to Fulani militias because the armed groups offered higher prices than other buyers. The disclosure exposes a major driver of the state's lingering violence and raises urgent questions about the proliferation of illegal arms in Nigeria's North-Central region.
The confession was made public on Saturday, June 27, 2026, by the Chief of Staff of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Brigadier-General Selong Sule, during a media briefing with senior defence correspondents in Jos. Sule spoke on behalf of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Major General Folusho Oyinlola. According to Sule, intelligence-driven operations by troops have led to the discovery and dismantling of several illegal gun manufacturing factories operating across the state. "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.
The senior military officer said investigations into those arrested produced disturbing confessions. Several of those arrested initially claimed they were producing firearms to help members of their communities defend themselves against attacks. However, during further interrogation, some admitted that they also sold the weapons to Fulani militias because the armed groups were willing to pay 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," Sule disclosed.
Sule warned that the proliferation of locally manufactured firearms has become one of the biggest obstacles to restoring lasting peace in Plateau State. "The proliferation of firearms and the activities of illegal weapon manufacturers raise serious security concerns. A weapon in the hands of a non-state actor is a major challenge to our operations," he said. He noted that while many civilians often justify possessing firearms as a means of self-defence, such actions frequently worsen insecurity. "People tell us they carry weapons to defend themselves, but once weapons circulate among civilians, they easily fall into the hands of criminals who use them to attack communities," he stated.
Sule contrasted the conduct of armed civilians with that of military personnel, stressing that soldiers operate under constitutional safeguards and clearly defined Rules of Engagement. "Our soldiers are governed by the Constitution, military laws and Rules of Engagement. They cannot simply use force at will. But when civilians illegally possess weapons, there is no such control," he explained.
Beyond military offensives, Sule said Operation Safe Haven is increasingly focusing on non-kinetic measures aimed at strengthening trust between security agencies and local communities. "If we do not win the hearts and minds of the people, it becomes difficult to obtain credible intelligence that is essential for successful operations," he said. He called on the Plateau State Government and community leaders to intensify efforts toward curbing illegal arms production, encouraging the voluntary surrender of illicit weapons, and strengthening collaboration with security agencies to achieve lasting peace across the state.
The military's revelation comes amid a recent surge of violence in Plateau State. On Thursday, June 25, 2026, gunmen attacked a village in the Mushere Chiefdom of Bokkos Local Government Area, killing at least 10 people, including a pregnant woman and health workers. The attack occurred at a primary health centre where the pregnant woman was in labour. The military described the proliferation of locally manufactured firearms as a major threat to security operations in Plateau, warning that the easy availability of illegal weapons has made it easier for criminal groups and armed militias to carry out attacks.
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