Troops Arrest Three Suspected Arms Dealers, Recover Weapons in Abia Operation
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 14 Brigade, operating under Operation Eastern Sanity II, have arrested three suspected arms dealers and recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition during a coordinated security operation in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Sunday, involved personnel of the 14 Brigade Garrison and the 14 Military Intelligence Regiment in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Captain Mazinho Attah, the raid was conducted following credible intelligence on the alleged proliferation of illegal arms in Amaetiti Iheshiowa Community.
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During the cordon-and-search operation, troops arrested three suspects identified as Francis Ifere (37), Oso Kalu (40), and Ifere Oti (32). Items recovered from the suspects included seven locally fabricated Dane guns, 22 live cartridges, and one motorcycle. Security operatives also impounded a bus allegedly linked to one Stephen Kalu, who reportedly fled the area before the arrival of troops.
The Nigerian Army said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of illegal arms and strengthen security across communities within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility. It added that troops deployed across various battalion locations have continued night patrols and routine operations aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action and ensuring the protection of lives and property.
The Army further noted that the success of the operation underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-driven security operations and inter-agency collaboration in tackling armed criminality, reaffirming the commitment of the 14 Brigade to sustained joint efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability in Abia State.
Residents were also urged to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to combat crime and enhance public safety.
By PRNigeria
