Following intelligence and discreet Police investigation, operatives of the FCT Police Command have uncovered an illegal firearm fabricating factory located around Shenagu village near Zuba, Abuja.
During a raid on the factory, three suspects were arrested. They include the owner of the factory, Philip John the supplier of ammunitions, Mr Onyegabueze Okpara and the distributor of the arms, one Joseph Bulus.
During interrogation, Philip John stated that he has been doing the illicit business for 17 years and confessed that he sells fabricated single-barrel guns to his clients at N20,000 each while Dane gun is sold for N10,000. According to him, he also services and repairs malfunctioning guns brought to him by his clients.
The supplier of the ammunitions Mr Onyegabueze Okpara who disguises as a bicycle spare-parts dealer was arrested at Kwaita market in possession of the exhibits which he carefully conceals and sells to criminals.
In his statement, he narrated that he started the illicit deal since 1997 and that he sells a pack containing 25pieces of live cartridge for N12,000, while single cartridge goes for N500. He further confessed that he gets his supply from Onitsha.
Meanwhile, Joseph Bulus, the major link that connects the principal suspect with potential buyers of the fabricated firearms, was arrested at Zuba.
The suspects will be charged to court on conclusion of investigation, FCT Commissioner of Police, Sadiq Abubakar Bello, said.
