Troops of the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, operating under the Headquarters of the 82 Division, have uncovered an illegal weapons manufacturing factory in Odonget Community, Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The discovery was made during ongoing security operations in the area following an earlier attack on soldiers responding to a distress call linked to a communal dispute.

According to the army, the operation formed part of follow-up actions launched after troops were ambushed while attempting to restore order in the community.

Military operations conducted between March 12 and March 13 involved cordon-and-search missions as well as fighting patrols across identified locations to track down those responsible for the earlier attack.

During the operation on March 13, troops encountered armed criminal elements in the area, resulting in a firefight.

The army said five of the attackers were neutralised, while others fled the scene.

Subsequent exploitation of the area led to the discovery of an illegal arms production facility, believed to have been used by criminal elements to fabricate weapons for violent activities within the locality.

Troops recovered three AK-47 rifle magazines, ten locally fabricated firearms, and a toolbox containing equipment used for weapon manufacturing.

The illegal facility was later destroyed by the troops.

The Commander of the 13 Brigade, Brigadier General Patrick Alimikhena, who supervised the operation, commended the troops for their professionalism.

He reassured residents that the Nigerian Army would continue security operations in the area.

Alimikhena said surveillance, patrols and follow-up operations would be sustained to track down suspects who fled during the encounter.

He also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security in the community. (AriseNews TV)