Army busts illegal gun factory in Delta, arrests eight

The Commander of 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Ugochukwu Unachukwu, on Tuesday, said the army uncovered an illegal gun factory in Onicha Olona community, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.

A father, mother, sister and brother were among those arrested at the illegal factory,  which, according to the military, can produce 10 guns per week.

Speaking at the illegal arms factory site, Unachukwu said the prime suspect, 22-year-old Emmanuel Eboka, admitted to having rented some of the arms to criminal elements for set fees.

He said, “Eight suspects involved in the family business, including the mastermind, of the operation, his father, mother and sister, were among those arrested at the factory.

“The arms factory located in a forest has a surveillance post, a generator connected from a remote location, an oven for melting of iron and a cache of arms and ammunition.

 “We have recovered items for the manufacturing of improvised explosive devices IEDs including shrapnels, detonators and the container”

The army commander said the activities of the suspects were a major contributor to insecurity in the region and the country.

“In this axis, it is only IPOB and Eastern Security Network that use Improvised Explosive Devices and even drones.

“A normal AK-47 magazine carries 30 rounds, but this man is modifying an AK-47 magazine to carry 60 rounds.

“Anybody that is involved in an act of insurgency, that is against the peace and stability of Nigeria, we will get to you,” he said.