OPWS uncovers illegal arms factory in Nasarawa, arrests suspect, recovers pistols, cash; neutralises two bandits in Benue

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have uncovered an illegal arms manufacturing facility in Agwatashi, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The Force Commander of JTF OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Acting Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, and issued to journalists in Makurdi on Monday.

According to the statement, preliminary investigations revealed that the location was being used as an illegal arms factory supplying firearms to criminal elements within and outside the area.
Major General Gara said the discovery was made during a fighting and confidence-building patrol by troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Idadu, as part of sustained efforts to curb criminal activities and deny criminals freedom of action.
He explained that while conducting the routine patrol in Agwatashi, the troops uncovered a concealed site suspected to be used for the illegal production of locally fabricated weapons.
“On approaching the area, several individuals fled upon sighting the troops. However, one suspect, Baba Ogar, a 26-year-old from Arusu village in Kokona Local Government Area, was arrested while attempting to evade capture by hiding on top of a tree,” the statement said.
A search of the site led to the recovery of six locally fabricated pistols, assorted tools and equipment believed to be used in the production of illegal arms, the sum of N40,500, and a mobile phone found in the suspect’s possession.
The arrested suspect is currently in custody, while investigations have been intensified to track down and apprehend other suspects who escaped during the operation.
The Force Commander commended the troops for their professionalism, vigilance and sustained operational pressure, which led to the discovery of the illegal arms factory. He urged them to maintain the tempo and continue to rely on intelligence-driven operations to dismantle criminal networks within the Joint Operations Area.
Major General Gara also stressed the importance of public cooperation, calling on residents to provide timely and credible intelligence, noting that actionable information remains crucial to achieving lasting security and promoting economic growth.
Meanwhile, in Benue State, troops of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Special Intervention Battalion IX, operating under OPWS, have neutralised two suspected armed bandits along the Naka–Ahume–Makurdi Road.
Major General Gara disclosed this in a separate statement signed by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu and made available to journalists in Makurdi.
He said the success was recorded during a snap ambush operation conducted on Monday, January 26, 2026.
According to him, troops deployed at Naka were on routine fighting patrol when they acted on credible intelligence about the movement of armed bandits in the area.
The troops subsequently laid a tactical ambush along the identified route and engaged the criminals.
“During the encounter, three suspected armed bandits were sighted. Two were neutralised, while one escaped with gunshot wounds. One AK-47 rifle loaded with six rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition was recovered at the scene,” the statement said.
The Force Commander added that troops have continued aggressive patrols in the area to further deny criminal elements freedom of action.
Commenting on the operation, Major General Gara said the outcome underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and the professionalism of the troops, reaffirming the commitment of the Joint Task Force to sustain operational momentum and ensure improved security across the Joint Operations Area.