14 Brigade troops arrest three suspected arms dealers, recover arms

Troops of Headquarters 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under Operation Eastern Sanity II, have said that they arrested three suspected arms dealers and recovered weapons and ammunition in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State.

The development was disclosed in a press release issued by Mazinho Attah, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Abia State.

According to the 14 Brigade, the operation, which was conducted in the early hours of June 7, 2026, saw troops of 14 Brigade Garrison and 14 Military Intelligence Regiment carry out a cordon-and-search operation at Amaetiti Iheshiowa community in Arochukwu LGA in conjunction with other security agencies.

He said the operation was based on credible intelligence regarding the proliferation of arms and ammunition within the community.

During the operation, the Nigerian Army said that three suspects identified as Francis Ifere (37), Oso Kalu (40), and Ifere Oti (32) were apprehended.

It listed the items recovered from the suspects to include seven locally fabricated Dane guns, 22 live cartridges, one motorcycle, and a bus allegedly belonging to one Stephen Kalu, which was impounded after the owner fled before the arrival of troops.

The press release further stated that troops across the various battalion areas continued to conduct night patrols and routine security operations aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action and ensuring the safety of lives and property.