The Nigeria Police Force in Yobe State has uncovered an illegal firearms fabrication factory in Potiskum and arrested seven suspects in what authorities described as a major breakthrough in the fight against crime.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, June 2, saying the operation was part of renewed efforts by the Commissioner of Police to combat criminal activities across the state.
According to the statement, police operatives from the Potiskum Area Command, working in collaboration with the Divisional Police Headquarters, carried out a coordinated raid on June 2, 2026, following intelligence reports that some blacksmiths were involved in the illegal production of firearms.
“On June 2, 2026, at about 1800hrs, acting on credible intelligence, the Potiskum Area Command led a coordinated raid in collaboration with the Divisional Police Headquarters following reports that some blacksmiths were engaged in the illegal fabrication of Dane guns and other firearms,” Abdulkarim said.
He added that officers swiftly moved to a blacksmith workshop located at Tasha Adua along Danchuwa Road in Potiskum, where seven suspects were arrested during the operation.
Items recovered from the workshop included fabricated pistols, 24 muzzle pipes, nine gun butts, four unserviceable Dane guns, one filing machine and a cutlass. Abdulkarim said the suspects were currently undergoing investigation to determine the identities of their collaborators, potential buyers and the intended use of the firearms.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Usman Kanfani Jibrin, has directed officers handling the case to intensify investigation, identify other illegal firearms fabrication centres within the area, and assess the level of security threat posed by such criminal activities,” he said.
The police also urged members of the public not to allow their premises or facilities to be used for unlawful activities, including the production of weapons. Residents were further advised to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.
