- Troops Arrest Three Suspected Arms Dealers, Recover Weapons in Abia
- The cordon-and-search operation targeted the Amaetiti Iheshiowa community in Arochukwu
- During the raid, security operatives arrested three suspects identified as Francis Ifere, 37; Oso Kalu, 40; and Ifere Oti, 32
Troops of Headquarters 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, operating under Operation Eastern Sanity II, have arrested three suspected arms dealers and recovered weapons and ammunition during a security operation in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 14 Brigade, Major Mazinho Attah.
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According to the statement, the operation was carried out in the early hours of June 7, 2026, by troops of the 14 Brigade Garrison and the 14 Military Intelligence Regiment in collaboration with other security agencies.
The cordon-and-search operation targeted the Amaetiti Iheshiowa community in Arochukwu following credible intelligence on the alleged proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition within the area.
During the raid, security operatives 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 a motorcycle.
The troops also impounded a bus allegedly belonging to one Stephen Kalu, who reportedly fled the area before the arrival of security personnel.
The Army said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of illegal weapons and dismantle criminal networks operating within the region.
It added that troops deployed across various battalion areas under the brigade have continued to conduct routine patrols and night operations aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action and enhancing the safety of residents.
The suspects and recovered items are expected to undergo further investigation as security agencies intensify efforts to combat arms trafficking and related criminal activities in the South-East.
