Rocket launcher factory ‘discovered in Kano’

Nigerian military authorities said they have discovered a rocket launcher production facility in Kano State.

Defence spokesman, Major Gen. Chris Olukolade, said in a statement on Friday that the facility was discovered at Dorayi District in Kumbotso local government area of Kano State.

He said a prominent member of the “terrorists group” was recently arrested, following which the factory was discovered.

Although he did not name the group, Olukolade was apparently referring to Boko Haram which has been carrying out deadly attacks in northern states.

The military spokesman said locally made anti-aircraft gun and mortar accessories “as well as rocket-propelled grenade tubes and launcher along with accessories were recovered”.

He disclosed that three AK47 rifles and hundreds of rounds of assorted ammunitions as well as drilling machines and other fabricating equipment were seized during the military operation.

He asked the public to report suspicious persons to security agencies in their localities “to prevent unwholesome act by terrorists”.

The caliber of equipment points to an increasing sophistication on the part of the terrorists, who are also said to have benefited from the looting of Libya’s armoury following the fall of the country’s leader, Col. Moammar Ghaddafi, in 2011.

Rocket launchers and anti-aircraft guns (a US 120mm M1 Anti Aircraft Artillery is pictured above) can be used to attack an aircraft, including military and commercial planes.

Olukolade denied reports that there was a second mutiny in Maimalari Barracks, Borno State.