The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Katsina State Command, has uncovered and dismantled an illegal arms fabrication factory in Kore Village, Batagarawa Local Government Area, arresting four suspects in a major crackdown on illicit weapons proliferation.
The operation, carried out by the Special Rapid Response Squad of the Command on Thursday, February 26, 2026, followed credible intelligence on the clandestine facility located along Batsari Road in Kore, Batagarawa LGA.
Parading the suspects, the Commandant of the Corps in Katsina State, Commandant Abbas Dan-ile Moriki, described the breakthrough as a significant step in ongoing efforts to rid the state of illegal arms manufacturers and criminal networks threatening public safety.
According to the Command, the suspects — Haruna Lawal (28), Badamasi Kabiru (50), Hamza Lawal (30), and Sagir Abba (25) — were apprehended inside the factory while allegedly fabricating weapons.
A cache of exhibits was recovered from the scene, including eight locally made skeletal rifles, five locally made pistol grips, four locally made magazines, multiple rifle butts, 20 magazine parts, 21 metal components, welding and grinding machines, gas cylinders, hammers, saws, spanners, and two motorcycles identified as Jincheng and Boxer brands.
Security sources said the factory was fully equipped for the production and assembly of locally fabricated firearms, raising concerns over the scale of underground arms supply within the state.
Commandant Moriki commended the оперативatives for their swift and professional response, stressing that the Command remains resolute in combating illicit arms proliferation, vandalism, and other criminal activities across Katsina State.
“The Command will not relent in its mandate to protect Critical National Assets and Infrastructure. We are determined to dismantle criminal syndicates and ensure that those involved face the full weight of the law,” he stated.
He further disclosed that investigations are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate and suspected buyers, assuring that due process will be strictly followed in prosecuting the suspects.
The Command also appreciated members of the public for their continued cooperation, urging residents to sustain the flow of actionable intelligence to security agencies.
The statement was signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Buhari Hamisu, on behalf of the State Commandant.
With this latest bust, the NSCDC has once again reinforced its commitment to keeping Katsina safe amid growing security concerns in parts of the North-West.
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