The interception of suspected arms traffickers by troops in Kaduna State has once again brought into sharp focus a disturbing question: Are illegal gun factories operating in Plateau State feeding Nigeria’s wider terrorist and bandit networks?

One of the greatest obstacles to ending Nigeria’s insecurity is not merely the availability of illegal weapons or the activities of armed groups. It is our persistent refusal to confront uncomfortable facts whenever they challenge our preferred narratives.

The arrest of suspected arms traffickers in Kaduna State on July 13, in which troops intercepted seven illegally fabricated firearms allegedly being transported from Jos, Plateau State, toward Niger State, should provoke serious national reflection.

According to military sources, preliminary interrogation of the suspects indicated that the weapons originated from suppliers based in Jos and were destined for another recipient in Niger State, an area plagued by armed banditry.If established through investigation, the implications would be profound.

For years, whenever reports emerge about illegal arms factories operating in parts of Plateau State, particularly in areas dominated by Berom communities, the reaction in some quarters is often swift dismissal. The common argument is that such weapons are allegedly produced only for community self-defence from Fulani Bandits. Yet there was no single record of any account where the community use those arms to protect their communities. Instead the arms are being you to carry out heinous crimes, including robbery, cattle theft and targeted attacks.

Last month, this platform reported that a suspected arms producing operator arrested by security forces allegedly admitted during interrogation that locally fabricated weapons were also sold to bandits because they offered higher prices. This is a proof that this illegal firearms do not remain confined to one community.

Once produced outside the law, they become commodities that can be sold to whoever pays the highest price. This development also reinforces an issue that has repeatedly surfaced in security operations over the past several years. Illegal firearms do not recognize ethnic boundaries. Once they enter criminal markets, they can be sold to the highest bidder, whether that buyer is a bandit, a kidnapper, a militia member, Boko Haram or another violent criminal.

The questions therefore deserve honest discussion. If illegal weapons factories are repeatedly discovered in the same geographical areas, and the same communities, should the public simply ignore those findings? If locally fabricated Ak47 riffles are allegedly finding their way into criminal networks and terrorists outside Plateau State, should the Nigerian armed forces not seek to dismantle every link in the supply chain? If suspects are arrested in connection with these factories, should investigations stop because discussing them even if politically inconvenient?

The fight against insecurity cannot succeed if Nigerians apply different standards depending on the ethnic identity of those involved.

When armed Fulani groups commit attacks, they should be identified, investigated and prosecuted immediately. When armed criminal groups operating within Berom communities or any other community are credibly linked to violent crimes or illegal arms production, those allegations deserve the same impartial investigation and prosecution. The same principle applies to criminal actors from every ethnic and religious background.

Over the past few years, security agencies have announced multiple operations targeting suspected illegal weapons fabrication sites in Plateau State. Among the publicly reported recoveries are: An alleged illegal weapons factory uncovered in Vom, Jos South LGA (November 2023). Another alleged illegal weapons factory uncovered in Vom, Jos South LGA (December 2025). A further alleged illegal weapons factory uncovered in Vom, Jos South LGA (May 2026). An alleged illegal weapons factory uncovered in the Naraguta Mining Area, Jos North LGA (September 2024). An alleged illegal weapons factory uncovered in Heipang, Barkin Ladi LGA (September 2024). An alleged illegal weapons factory uncovered in Fashoron Village, Bokkos LGA.

In several of these cases, security agencies publicly announced the arrest of suspects, including individuals identified as Nuhu Meshack, Joe Michael, Iliya Bulus, Michael Dung and Yusuf Pam, as owners of the illegal firearm fabrication or trafficking networks. All the suspects were native of the Berom. These developments demand honest answers. What happened to them, have they all been prosecuted in the competent court of laws?

Why have multiple illegal gun factories allegedly been uncovered in the same areas supposedly branding itself as a peaceful community over several years? If the firearms were truly intended only for local defence, why are the weapons now alleging being intercepted hundreds of kilometres away to criminal elements in another states battling with terrorism and banditry?

How many more illegal weapons have already entered the hands of terrorists, bandits and kidnappers before these interceptions?

Nigeria’s security challenge demands intellectual honesty. Illegal arms factories should be dismantled wherever they exist. Arms traffickers should be prosecuted regardless of whom they supply. Militia groups should face the law irrespective of ethnicity or religion.

Selective outrage and selective silence have never defeated terrorism, banditry or communal violence. The law must apply equally to everyone. Only then can justice be seen to be done, and only then can lasting peace have a chance.

No ethnic group should be collectively blamed for the alleged crimes of individuals. Equally, no community should be shielded from scrutiny simply because discussing criminal elements within it is politically sensitive. Nigeria cannot defeat terrorism while ignoring the illegal factories that manufacture the weapons terrorists use. Every illegal gun factory must be dismantled. Every arms trafficker must be prosecuted. Every criminal network, regardless of ethnicity, religion or region, must be exposed. (Zagazola)

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