NSCDC nabs suspected illegal firearms producers in Abuja

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have arrested seven suspected illegal producers of locally made rifles and pistols in the Abuja metropolis.

In a statement by the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, the Corps stated that the criminal attempt was foiled through a tip-off, adding that operatives of the NSCDC Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation swung into action and apprehended the suspects.

“Acting on a tip-off that a group of individuals were manufacturing semi-automatic rifles and pistols at Moshood Abiola National Stadium area in Abuja; the DII-SM acted based on credible intelligence and the 7 suspects were caught in the act”, it said.

The names of the suspects were given as Amos Iyawo (M) aged 29 years, Jonah Mannaseh (M) aged 27 years, Ezekiel Nannim (M) 20 years, Naifa Pando (F) 26 years, Euphemia Peter (M) 26 years, Faith Gadang (F) and Philemon Karam (F) 26 years.

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The statement said: “From the confessional statements volunteered by the suspects, we gathered that Amos Iyawo is the leader of the team and that he recruited others to participate as manufacturers of the rifles.”

Daily Trust gathered that none of the rifles or pistols had been sold out as the production just commenced.

The DII-SM recovered five already fabricated rifles, one Pistol, one unfinished rifle, seven empty cartridges, two boots, rods, a welding machine, a filling machine, two Searchlights, three pliers, a Shovel, Cutlass and Axes, a Hunters ID card and belt from the suspects.

The statement said all exhibits with the suspects would be handed over to the Nigerian Police for further investigation and possible prosecution.

It said the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, had given a marching order to all Zonal Commanders, State Commandants and heads of formations on the need for prompt intelligence gathering.