The Yobe State Police Command has uncovered an illegal firearms fabrication workshop in Potiskum Local Government Area and arrested seven suspected gunmakers during a raid aimed at tackling criminal activities in the state.

According to a report by Punch, the operation was carried out on Monday at a blacksmith workshop located in Tasha Adua along Danchuwa Road, Potiskum, following intelligence reports about the alleged illegal production of firearms.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, described the discovery as a significant breakthrough in the command’s ongoing efforts to combat crime and criminality across Yobe State.

Abdulkarim said operatives of the Potiskum Area Command worked alongside officers from the Divisional Police Headquarters to conduct the raid after receiving credible intelligence on the activities of blacksmiths allegedly involved in illegal gun manufacturing.

During the operation, police recovered several items believed to have been used in the production of firearms. The exhibits included two fabricated pistols, 24 muzzle pipes, nine gun butts, four unserviceable Dane guns, a filing machine and a cutlass.

“The operation was carried out following credible intelligence on the activities of some blacksmiths engaged in the illegal fabrication of firearms,” Abdulkarim stated.

The police spokesperson added that the seven suspects are currently in custody and undergoing investigation. Authorities are working to identify possible collaborators, buyers and determine the intended use of the recovered weapons.

He further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Usman Kanfani Jibrin, has directed an expanded investigation to uncover other illegal firearms fabrication centres and assess the broader security risks posed by such operations.

The police also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to maintain public safety.