The 63 Brigade Nigerian Army, Asaba, Delta State, has arrested 22-year-old Emmanuel Eboka and his parents, in connection with an illegal arms manufacturing factory at Onicha-Olona, Aniocha North Local Council of the state.
The Commander, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, who briefed journalists, said about eight suspects, including the father, mother, and sister, were arrested after military personnel invaded the forest location of the factory.
He said the illegal arms factory had a capacity to produce 10 guns weekly, pointing out that the suspects were caught modifying an AK-47 magazine to pack 60 rounds, instead of the regular 30 associated with the rifle.
He disclosed that the factory had a surveillance post, an electricity generating set connected from a remote location, an oven for melting iron, and a cache of arms and ammunition.
Unachukwu said the army also recovered items for the manufacturing of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), including shrapnels, detonators, and containers.
He said the activity of the suspects was a major contributor to insecurity in the region and country.
“In this axis, it is only the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) that use IEDs and even drones. To anybody involved in an act of insurgency against the peace and stability of Nigeria, we will get you,” he declared.
Emmanuel Eboka admitted he had rented out 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. My daddy said I should leave his veranda, because he is not comfortable with me being around his veranda. That was why I shifted to the forest.”
His parents, Isioma and Angela, reportedly acknowledged that they were aware of their son’s illegal activities but denied involvement in giving arms and ammunition to criminals.
