The Benue State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), has arrested a man with a fabricated high calibre G3 rifle and 78 rounds of live ammunition.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Chairman, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), said the suspect was arrested on August 4, in a bus en route Jos from Onitsha, after the vehicle was flagged down at Aliade checkpoint for search.
According to him, the checkpoint was to stop and search vehicles for drugs; however, he noted that the NDLEA makes arrests when other criminal items such as heavy weapons are found.
Marwa also disclosed that people now manufacture weapons on their own, which they sell to bandits, kidnappers, and criminal gangs among others.
During interrogation, the suspect, identified as Christian, claimed that he had talent in making local guns, adding that he was hoping to get a job in the military with it.
Also, Christian said he was aware it was a crime to manufacture weapons without a permit in Nigeria, however, he said he was looking forward to getting a license. He said that he had met a soldier who told him to make a sample and told him he could get a government job with his talent.
In the same vein, Marwa said that three bandits armed with AK 47 rifles were also intercepted by officers on patrol in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
He said the suspects were from Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State en route to Kankara Local Government Area in Katsina State for a devilish assignment.
He noted that a car, three AK-47 rifles with magazines and ammunition, different types of charms, rings, cash, and other items, were recovered from them.
Marwa said the suspects would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.
