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…
Suspects paraded by the NSCDC
He said operatives of the NSCDC Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation apprehended the suspects around Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
“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”, he stated.
The suspects are Amos Iyawo, 29, Jonah Mannaseh, 27, Ezekiel Nannim, 20, Euphemia Peter, 26, and three females, Naifa Pando, 26, Faith Gadang and Philemon Karam, 26.
He added that “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.”
It was gathered that none of the rifles or pistols were sold out as the production had 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.
