Troops of the Nigerian Army have dismantled an illegal firearms manufacturing facility in Kebbi State, recovering five operational AK-47 rifles and arresting two suspects during an intelligence-led operation.

The operation, carried out by frontline troops, is part of ongoing efforts by the military to curb the proliferation of illegal weapons and disrupt criminal networks fueling banditry and terrorism across Nigeria’s North-West region.

According to military sources, the raid followed credible intelligence that traced illegal arms production activities to a concealed workshop in the state. Acting on the information, troops stormed the facility, arrested two suspected operators and recovered five fully assembled AK-47 assault rifles.

Soldiers also seized blacksmithing tools, milling machines, metal pipes and several unfinished firearm components believed to have been used in the local production of high-calibre weapons.

Security officials said the operation is expected to significantly disrupt the supply of illicit weapons to armed criminal groups operating in the region.

Military authorities noted that locally manufactured firearms have increasingly become a source of weapons for bandits seeking to evade border surveillance and security checkpoints. They added that targeting illegal production centres is a key strategy aimed at weakening the operational capacity of criminal gangs responsible for kidnappings, attacks on communities and other violent crimes.

The two suspects are currently in military custody and are undergoing further interrogation as investigators seek to uncover the network behind the operation, including possible financiers, distributors and links to other criminal or insurgent groups.

The Nigerian Army also urged residents of Kebbi and neighbouring states, including Zamfara and Sokoto, to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious blacksmithing or industrial activities to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains vital in the fight against illegal arms proliferation.