The Nigerian Army, 63 Brigade, Asaba, Delta state have discovered a workshop for the modification of guns particularly AK-47 magazine to carry 60 rounds instead of its original 30 rounds.
The factory also produces Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), allegedly used by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The gun and bomb making factory was operated by a 22-year-old Emmanuel Eboka and his family members including father and mother in Onicha Olona, Aniocha north local government area of the state.
The Commander of 63 Brigade, Brigadier General, Ugochukwu Unachukwu who briefed Journalists on Monday evening, on the illegal arms deals, said about eight suspects including father, mother and sister were among those arrested at the factory when the military personnel invaded the forest.
According to him, the illegal arms factory at Onicha Olona has the capacity to produce 10 guns weekly, pointing out that the suspects were modifying AK-47 magazine to carry 60 rounds instead of the normal 30 rounds of magazine associated with AK-47.
The arms factory located in a forest has a surveillance post, a generating set connected from a remote location, an oven for melting of iron and a cache of arms and ammunition, stated the army boss.
Brigadier General Unachukwu, added that the army had recovered items for the manufacturing of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) including shrapnels, detonators and the container.
He said the activity of the suspects was a major contributor to insecurity in the region and the country, hence the agent move to kill their dreams at this embryonic stage.
“In this axis it is only IPOB and Eastern security network that uses improvised explosive devices and even drones.
“Anybody that is involved in act of insurgency that is against the peace and stability of Nigeria, we will get to you”, he declared
The prime suspect, Emmanuel Eboka, however admitted to have rented some of the arms to criminal elements for undisclosed fees.
He said, “When I repair it for them I don’t charge them, they just give me whatever is in their mind. I don’t charge them.
“My daddy said I should leave his veranda, because he is not comfortable with me being around his veranda that is why I shifted to the forest.
His parents Mrs and Mrs Isioma and Angela Eboka, also acknowledged they were aware of the illegal activities of their son, but denied their full involvement as to how the arms and ammunition to get to the criminals.
