Troops arrest 3 suspected arms brokers in Abia

Monday, June 8, 2026 - Troops of the Headquarters, 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under Operation Eastern Sanity II, have arrested three suspected arms dealers.

They also recovered weapons and ammunition during a security operation in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State.

The operation, which was carried out in the early hours of Sunday, forms part of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to combat the proliferation of illegal arms and strengthen security across the state.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, Mazinho Attah, he said, “troops of 14 Brigade Garrison and 14 Military Intelligence Regiment, in collaboration with other security agencies, conducted a cordon-and-search operation at Amaetiti Iheshiowa community in Arochukwu LGA.”

The operation followed credible intelligence reports regarding the alleged proliferation of arms and ammunition within the community.

During the exercise, security operatives arrested three suspects identified as Francis Ifere (37), Oso Kalu (40), and Ifere Oti (32) and items recovered from the suspects includes seven locally fabricated dane guns, twenty-two live cartridges, and one motorcycle believed to be connected to their activities.

The troops also impounded a bus belonging to one Stephen Kalu, who reportedly fled the area before the arrival of security personnel.

The Nigerian Army disclosed that troops across various battalion areas within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility have continued to intensify night fighting patrols, surveillance missions, and routine security operations “aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of movement and ensuring the protection of lives and property”.

The military described the latest operation as another significant success in its ongoing campaign against criminality and illegal arms proliferation in the South-East.

The 14 Brigade Headquarters reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive security operations in collaboration with other security agencies to guarantee lasting peace, stability, and security across Abia State and its environs.