The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has arrested a notorious gunrunner, Peter Onyeali Chibueze, and recovered a cache of arms, including 15 Italian-made automatic double-barrel rifles, during a sting operation in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The arrest, which occurred on September 19, 2025, was confirmed by Lieutenant-Colonel Danjuma Jonah, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division.
Jonah said the 36-year-old suspect, a native of Mbaitoli Local Council in Imo State, was apprehended while attempting to retrieve firearms concealed in a sack containing clothing materials.
He explained that the operation was part of the Nigerian Army’s sustained efforts to curb the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) within the Joint Operation Area. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had been involved in several arms-trafficking deals and was already on the watch list of security agencies.
“The suspect allegedly bought the weapons from the Onitsha market in Anambra State. The arrest is an extension of the Division’s recent operations, which had recorded notable successes. In September 2025, troops of the 6 Division busted a notorious gunrunning syndicate, recovering two English pistols, four locally fabricated pistols, and a double-barrelled gun,” Jonah said.
He added that the gunrunners were discovered to be using the Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa corridor for their operations.
“Consolidating on the successes achieved, today we are here basically to parade a notorious gunrunner, whose arrest marks a significant shift in the ongoing operations in the Niger Delta states,” Jonah said.
He explained that an intelligence-led operation resulted in the recovery of 15 automatic pump-action rifles concealed in a consignment meant to evade detection. “Thankfully, it was uncovered by the vigilant troops of the Division through credible intelligence,” he added.
Jonah noted that efforts were ongoing to track other members of the syndicate, stressing that the success underscored the Division’s determination to dismantle criminal networks and prevent arms proliferation in the Niger Delta.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, Major-General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, to maintaining safety and security in the region.
Jonah advised criminal elements to desist from unlawful activities and engage in legitimate ventures, warning that the Division would intensify operations across identified flashpoints.
He urged residents to support the Army by providing credible intelligence to help rid the region of criminal activities.
(NAN)