Suspects Say They Sold Guns to ‘Fulani Militias’ for More Money, Military Says* 

Suspects arrested over illegal weapons factories in Plateau State told investigators they sold locally made firearms to “Fulani militias because they paid more,” the military said. 

Brig. Gen. Selong Sule, chief of staff of Operation Safe Haven, OPSH, disclosed this to defence correspondents in Jos on behalf of Maj. Gen. Folusho Oyinlola, General Officer Commanding 3 Division and OPSH commander. 

“Some of the suspects claimed they manufactured weapons for members of their communities to defend themselves. However, some later confessed that they also sold these weapons to Fulani militias because they paid more,” Sule said. 

He described the spread of locally fabricated firearms as a major threat to security operations in Plateau. 

Sule said many civilians cite self-defence to justify possessing weapons, but the circulation of illegal guns often fuels crime and communal violence. 

He added that OPSH troops operate under the constitution, military law and rules of engagement, unlike armed civilians. The operation is also emphasizing non-kinetic strategies to build community trust and improve intelligence gathering, he said. 

Sule urged the Plateau government, traditional rulers and community leaders to curb illegal arms production, encourage voluntary surrender of illicit weapons and deepen collaboration with security agencies.