Troops Arrest Suspected Gun-running Kingpin in Anambra Raid

Troops of the Joint Task Force, South East, Operation Udo Ka, have arrested a suspected high-profile gun-running kingpin during a targeted raid on his home in Nteje, Oyi Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State.

The arrest followed an intelligence-led operation that also resulted in the recovery of a vehicle and two Samsung mobile phones believed to be linked to the suspect’s alleged arms-dealing network.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Michael Onoja, disclosed the development on Thursday while briefing journalists at the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s bi-weekly operational update in Abuja.

In a separate operation, Maj Gen Onoja said troops arrested the wife of a wanted extremist, identified as John Gata, in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State. 

According to Onoja, the suspect later led security forces to a concealed terrorist armoury in Amadu village.

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Items recovered at the site included 13 AK-47 rifles, 38 AK-47 magazines, more than 690 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and 36 hand grenades. 

The weapons, he added, have been taken into military custody, while further investigations are ongoing.

Onoja further disclosed the Armed Forces would continue to work closely with other security agencies, combining kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to counter security threats across the country.

He added that operations in multiple theatres have led to the recovery of arms, ammunition, improvised explosive device materials and other combat equipment, as well as the arrest of members of proscribed groups.

The military spokesman said the Armed Forces remain determined to deny terrorists, insurgents, kidnappers and organised criminal networks freedom of action anywhere in Nigeria.