Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Calabar, Nigeria — Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a suspected gunrunner, Kelvin Ebikeniye Dugo, in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State following a targeted intelligence operation aimed at disrupting illegal arms trafficking networks. The arrest forms part of a broader nationwide crackdown on the proliferation of illegal firearms and ammunition.
According to the DSS, the arrest was made after credible intelligence indicated that Dugo was preparing to take delivery of a large consignment of live ammunition from a supplier in Benue State. The ammunition had been concealed inside food items, a tactic often used by traffickers to evade detection while transporting weapons across states. Dugo was intercepted shortly after receiving the shipment.
Authorities recovered 832 rounds of live ammunition and two empty AK-47 magazines. The quantity and nature of the items suggested that they were intended for distribution to armed groups or criminal networks, highlighting the potential threat that the consignment posed to public safety.
The DSS emphasized that the operation is part of its intensified efforts to tackle gunrunning and illegal arms proliferation. By intercepting weapons before they reach criminal elements, the agency aims to reduce incidents of armed robbery, kidnappings, and other violent crimes across Nigeria.
Cross River State, although not a traditional hotspot for banditry, has been identified as a transit point for trafficked weapons moving from northern and central states to southern regions. Criminal networks often exploit gaps in enforcement, using rural roads and secondary routes to move contraband items covertly.
Dugo is currently in DSS custody for further interrogation. Authorities are working to trace the origin of the ammunition, identify the supplier in Benue State, and determine if other individuals or networks are involved. Investigators will also seek to uncover whether the consignment was part of a larger arms trafficking operation spanning multiple states.
Security experts note that operations like this are essential to disrupting illegal supply chains and reducing violence perpetrated by non-state actors. Weapons trafficked across states frequently end up in the hands of kidnappers, cult groups, and local militias, contributing to insecurity and posing challenges for law enforcement agencies.
Local communities have welcomed the arrest, praising the DSS for proactive measures against gunrunning. Civil society organizations have called for stringent prosecution of the suspect to deter future trafficking, and emphasized the need for strengthened border security and enhanced public awareness to prevent illegal arms distribution.
As investigations continue, the DSS is expected to provide updates on the case, including any additional arrests or intelligence that could help dismantle wider trafficking networks. The arrest of Kelvin Ebikeniye Dugo underscores the importance of intelligence-led operations and inter-agency collaboration in tackling the illegal arms trade and enhancing public safety.
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