The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) apprehended seven individuals accused of illegally manufacturing firearms for sale in Abuja.
The Commandant General (CG) of NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, announced the arrests during a press conference held at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
Represented by NSCDC Spokesperson, Mr. Babawale Afolabi, the CG reported that the apprehended group, comprising three women and four men, was caught in the act of producing homemade rifles and pistols.
Audi revealed that the suspects, whose ages range from 20 to 29 years, were detained near the Moshood Abiola National Stadium following a tip-off received by the Intelligence and Investigation unit of the Corps.
The individuals identified are Amos Iyawo, Jonah Mannaseh, Ezekiel Nannim, Naifa Pando, Euphemia Peter, Faith Gadang, and Philemon Karam.
During interrogations, it was disclosed that Iyawo led the group and had enlisted others to aid in manufacturing the weapons.
Iyawo admitted to discovering a homemade pistol while on an operation with the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in Durumi, Abuja.
Audi added that according to their confessions, the gang had not sold any firearms as they were still in the initial phase of their operation at the time of arrest.
The CG listed the seized items as five fabricated rifles, one pistol, one incomplete rifle, seven empty cartridges, two boots, rods, a welding machine, a filing machine, two searchlights, three pliers, a shovel, machetes, axes, hunters’ identity cards, and belts.
He declared that the suspects and confiscated items would be transferred to the police for further investigation and potential prosecution due to their authority over cases involving small arms proliferation and unauthorized production.
