The Department of State Services has arrested a suspected gunrunner and intercepted 850 rounds of live ammunition in Cross River State, in what authorities describe as a major breakthrough against illegal arms trafficking.
Operatives of the DSS carried out the arrest on March 16 at Ivara Esu Estate in Odukpani Local Government Area, apprehending Kelvin Ebikeniye Dugo following intelligence-led operations.
Security sources disclosed that the operation was triggered by credible intelligence which exposed Dugo’s plan to procure a large cache of ammunition from another suspected gunrunner, Azenda Barnabas, also known as Jagaban, based in Aliade, Benue State.
According to the source, “The operatives intercepted Dugo moments after he received the consignment, which was concealed in food items. Recovered items included 850 rounds of ammunition and two empty AK-47 magazines”.
The arrest forms part of a wider crackdown by the DSS targeting arms trafficking networks across the country.
“The DSS has intensified its pursuit of such criminals, launching sustained operations across nearly all states of the Federation”.
The source added that the latest success underscores the agency’s ongoing commitment to tackling the proliferation of illegal weapons.
“This successful operation is one of many ongoing nationwide efforts, highlighting the DSS’s firm commitment to dismantling gunrunning syndicates and curbing illegal arms proliferation”.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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