Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Jevaun Rhashan
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested two suspects found in possession of 192 rounds of rifle ammunition during a security operation in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State, in what military authorities describe as another breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in the region.
The arrests were carried out by soldiers of the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, operating under the operational command of Headquarters 82 Division. Military officials said the operation forms part of sustained security efforts targeting armed criminal elements in and around Odonget community, an area that has recently witnessed security disturbances linked to communal tensions and armed attacks.
According to a statement issued by Major Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the Headquarters of 13 Brigade, the suspects were intercepted during a routine stop-and-search operation at the Obubra checkpoint on March 13, 2026. The operation took place at approximately 12:58 p.m., when troops conducting routine security screening stopped and searched individuals passing through the checkpoint.
During the search, the troops reportedly discovered a significant quantity of ammunition in the possession of the suspects, identified as Sunday Ayam and Afriday Augustus. Military authorities confirmed that the suspects were carrying 192 rounds of ammunition consisting of Norinco and .223 Remington cartridges, both commonly used in high-powered rifles including AK-pattern assault rifles.
Security officials said the arrest occurred as part of continued exploitation operations following a series of earlier military actions in the Odonget general area. These operations were launched after an ambush on security personnel responding to a communal conflict in the area, an incident that prompted intensified military patrols and surveillance aimed at preventing further escalation.
In the course of those earlier operations, troops reportedly neutralised five armed criminals believed to be linked to the violence and uncovered an illegal gun manufacturing facility. The facility was subsequently destroyed by the military in a move aimed at disrupting the production and circulation of illicit firearms within the region.
Military authorities say the latest arrest is being treated as a potentially important development in the ongoing investigation into the network of armed groups suspected to be operating in and around Odonget community. Preliminary assessments suggest that both the suspects and the ammunition found in their possession may be connected to the hostilities that have recently affected the area.
The suspects have since been taken into military custody, where investigators have begun interrogations to determine the origin of the ammunition, how it was obtained, and the intended destination. Security officials are also examining whether the two individuals may have links to any of the armed groups involved in the communal clashes or other criminal activities within Cross River State.
While the army has not yet disclosed the full circumstances surrounding the suspects’ movements prior to their arrest, investigators are focusing on tracing the supply chain of the ammunition and identifying any collaborators who may be involved in illegal arms trafficking within the region.
The Commander of the 13 Brigade, Brigadier General Patrick Alimikhena, praised the troops involved in the operation, describing their vigilance and professionalism as critical to the success of ongoing security efforts in the brigade’s area of responsibility.
He noted that the arrest underscores the effectiveness of the military’s operational strategy, which includes intensified checkpoints, patrols, and intelligence-driven operations aimed at denying criminal groups freedom of movement and disrupting the circulation of illegal weapons.
According to the brigade commander, maintaining pressure on criminal networks is essential to preventing further violence and restoring lasting stability to communities affected by recent disturbances. He emphasized that the military remains committed to safeguarding lives and property across the region.
Security operations in parts of Cross River State have been stepped up in recent months following reports of sporadic violence linked to communal disputes and the activities of armed groups. Such conflicts have occasionally escalated into confrontations involving illegal firearms, raising concerns among residents and prompting increased intervention by security agencies.
Authorities say checkpoints such as the one in Obubra are a key component of the broader strategy to intercept weapons and apprehend individuals suspected of involvement in criminal activities. These operations often involve routine vehicle and pedestrian searches designed to identify illicit weapons, ammunition, or other items connected to security threats.
In addition to military patrols, security agencies have been working to strengthen intelligence gathering in affected communities, relying in part on information provided by residents. Officials say community cooperation plays a vital role in identifying suspicious movements and preventing attacks before they occur.
The Nigerian Army has therefore called on members of the public to remain vigilant and law-abiding while supporting security agencies with credible and timely information that could assist ongoing investigations. Authorities believe that local cooperation is essential to sustaining the relative calm that has begun to return to parts of the state following recent operations.
Residents in Obubra and surrounding communities have expressed cautious optimism that the increased military presence may help deter further violence and disrupt the flow of illegal arms. However, community leaders have also stressed the importance of addressing underlying tensions that have contributed to recurring clashes in the area.
Security analysts note that the discovery of illegal gun manufacturing facilities and the interception of ammunition shipments highlight the persistent challenge posed by illicit arms proliferation in parts of Nigeria. Such weapons frequently circulate through informal networks, complicating efforts by authorities to fully dismantle the supply chains.
Stone Reporters note that the ongoing investigation into the suspects arrested at the Obubra checkpoint could provide valuable insight into how ammunition and weapons move across communities experiencing conflict. Understanding these networks is considered crucial to preventing future outbreaks of violence and strengthening long-term security.
Military officials say further details regarding the case will be made public as investigations progress and as authorities determine whether additional suspects may be involved. For now, troops of the 13 Brigade remain deployed across key locations within their operational area, continuing patrols and checkpoints designed to intercept illegal weapons and maintain peace.
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