Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, has paraded a 36 year old Peter Chibueze arrested for alleged involvement in gun-running in Rivers State.
Briefing journalists on the development on Monday, at the Headquarters, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt Barracks, the Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt Col Danjuma Jonah said the troops recovered 15 Italian made automatic double barrel guns from the suspect.
Recalling that the Nigerian Army has been conducting series of kinetic and non-kinetic operations with significant successes recorded, the Army PRO said they have achieved success in tackling crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism operations, as well as several other operational successes recorded.
He also recalled that in September 2025, troops of 6 Division busted a notorious gunrunning syndicate, saying that a current operation led to the recovery of two English pistols, four locally fabricated pistols and a double-barreled gun.
Speaking further, Danjuma said “it was established that the arrested gunrunners were noted to be engaged in arms courier deals, using the Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Bayelsa States corridor. In order to consolidate 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 State.
“Again, troops of the Division, conducted an intelligence-led operation, which resulted in the arrest of the notorious gunrunner and the recovery of cache of arms. It was a sting operation, conducted on September 19, 2025, within Port Harcourt and environs, targeted at curbing the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) into the Joint Operation Area.
The operations led to the arrest of the notorious gunrunner and the recovery of 15 automatic pump-action rifles, carefully concealed in a consignment to evade detection by security agencies. Thankfully, it was uncovered by the vigilant troops of the Division through credible intelligence”.
Danjuma stated that “preliminary investigation revealed that the gunner is known to be involved in arms-trafficking deals and has been on the watch list of security agencies”.
He disclosed that the suspect, a native of Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, was apprehended, while attempting to retrieve the concealed firearms hidden in a sack containing clothing materials.
He explained that further investigation revealed that the weapons were intended for sale to criminal elements operating within the Niger Delta region, adding that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of his syndicate.
Danjuma however appraised that the successful operation underscores the Division’s commitment to curbing the proliferation SALW, and dismantling criminal networks that in the region. “This is in addition to its operational responsibility of safeguarding critical national infrastructure in the region”.
He called on members of the public to continue to support the Division’s operation in the region, assuring that security remains the collective responsibility.
“We urge members of the public to continue to provide actionable credible intelligence on the activities of criminal elements in their domain. Let me also add that in line with established standard operating procedure, the suspect and recovered weapons would be handed over to the relevant security agency for further investigation and necessary action”.
Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Emekah has noted the army’s commitment to safety and security in the Niger Delta, particularly in ensuring that socio-economic activities thrives.
He warned criminal elements to turn a new leaf and engage in legitimate businesses, while reassuring members of the public of the Division’s commitment to providing safety and security.
“Criminal elements are to note that in the days ahead the rhythm of the operation will increase, and identified flashpoints would be comb accordingly”, Major General Emekah added.
In an interview with Journalists, the suspect, Chibueze, noted that he is arrested for gun running and claimed that he purchased the arms from the Onitsha market in Anambra State.
Blessing Ibunge
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