Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigerian Armed Forces have disclosed significant security gains after troops arrested a suspected high‑profile arms dealer in Anambra State and recovered a major cache of weapons in Taraba State during coordinated operations, officials said in a briefing in the federal capital.
According to Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, troops of the Joint Task Force, South East — Operation Udo Ka — conducted a targeted, intelligence‑driven raid on a residence in Nteje, Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra. The operation led to the arrest of a suspected arms‑dealing kingpin linked to the illegal supply of weapons to criminal elements operating across multiple regions. Alongside the suspect, military personnel recovered a vehicle and two mobile phones believed to be connected to the illicit arms trade.
In a separate but related development disclosed during the same operational update, soldiers in Taraba State made a significant weapons seizure following the interrogation of a suspect, who was identified as the wife of a notorious extremist figure, John Gata. The suspect, detained in Takum Local Government Area, led troops to a concealed armoury in Amadu Village. There, military forces recovered an extensive stash of weaponry, including 13 AK‑47 rifles, 38 AK‑47 magazines, more than 690 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and 36 hand grenades. The seized weapons and ammunition are now securely in military custody pending further investigation.
The discoveries were part of a broader set of coordinated operations carried out across various theatres, in which troops have also dismantled insurgent camps, intercepted logistical resources used by criminal elements, and arrested suspects tied to violent and organised crime networks. The military emphasised that these actions form part of sustained efforts to deprive extremist, bandit and criminal groups of the means to commit violence and to reinforce security across vulnerable communities.
In outlining the latest successes, Major General Onoja underscored the importance of intelligence‑led operations and inter‑agency collaboration, which have been central to recent military advances. He reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to leveraging both kinetic and non‑kinetic strategies — combining ground raids, targeted intelligence gathering, and cooperative action with other security agencies — to prevent weapons proliferation and protect citizens nationwide.
These operations come at a time when the Nigerian military and allied forces have intensified campaigns against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent criminality across multiple regions — including the South‑East, South‑South, North‑Central and North‑East — with varying levels of operational success in neutralising threats and recovering arms and ammunition tied to criminal networks.
The arrest in Anambra marks a notable blow against illegal arms distribution channels in the South‑East, while the discovery of the hidden armoury in Taraba serves as a reminder of the latent stockpiles that can fuel insecurity if unchecked. Authorities say ongoing investigations will seek to uncover further links between seized weapons and organised criminal networks, as well as potential collaborators across state lines.
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