Troops arrested a high-profile arms dealer in Anambra and recovered weapons in Taraba during coordinated operations, military authorities disclosed in Abuja.

Troops of the Joint Task Force, South East, Operation Udo Ka, have arrested a suspected high-profile gun-running kingpin during a targeted raid on his residence in Nteje, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The arrest was carried out during an intelligence-driven operation that also led to the recovery of a vehicle and two Samsung mobile phones believed to be connected to the suspect’s illicit arms-dealing activities.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Thursday while presenting the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s bi-weekly operational briefing in Abuja.

In a related operation, Onoja revealed that troops arrested the wife of a notorious extremist, John Gata, in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State. He said the suspect, during interrogation, led troops to a concealed terrorist armoury in Amadu Village.

At the location, security forces recovered 13 AK-47 rifles, 38 AK-47 magazines, over 690 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and 36 hand grenades. The recovered weapons are currently in military custody, while investigations continue.

Major General Onoja said the Armed Forces remain committed to sustained collaboration with other security agencies, combining kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to neutralise security threats and safeguard citizens nationwide.

He added that across multiple theatres of operation, troops have recovered significant quantities of arms, ammunition, improvised explosive device materials and other combat equipment, while also arresting members of proscribed groups.

Onoja reaffirmed the resolve of the Armed Forces to deny terrorists, insurgents, kidnappers and criminal networks freedom of action anywhere in the country. (AriseNews TV)

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