Army officers raid illegal arsenal in Delta, arrest three suspects.

In a significant development in Delta State, Nigerian Army troops have uncovered an illegal armory housing a substantial cache of arms and ammunition in the Olota community and nearby areas of Ughelli South Local Government Area. The operation, led by the Department of Army Public Relations, targeted the residence of a notorious gun runner identified as Mr. Kenneth.


Concealed within Kenneth's residence, the identified armory was the focal point of the raid, where troops made a startling discovery. Among the arsenal seized were one G3 rifle, along with 853 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and 19 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. This find underscores the gravity of the illicit arms trade prevalent in the region.

Moreover, the operation did not conclude with the discovery of Kenneth's armoury. Troops expanded their search to adjacent locations within the community, uncovering additional weapons stockpiles. Among the findings were four G3 rifles and magazines, a pump-action semi-automatic gun, three sub-machine guns (SMG) with accompanying magazines, and a staggering 476 live cartridges. The breadth of the confiscated weaponry illustrates the scale of the illicit arms trade and its implications for security in the region.

Furthermore, the operation yielded the recovery of five locally fabricated guns, indicating the presence of clandestine weapons manufacturing within the area. Additionally, troops seized a large plastic bag containing a substance suspected to be cannabis sativa, shedding light on the nexus between illicit arms trafficking and other criminal activities such as drug trafficking.

The discovery of two speed boats equipped with 75 horsepower outboard engines further highlights the sophistication of criminal networks operating in the region. These watercrafts likely facilitated the transportation of illegal goods, including arms and narcotics, along Delta's waterways, underscoring the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating transnational crime.

The apprehension of three suspects during the operation marks a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in arms trafficking and related activities. These individuals are believed to be key players in the illicit arms trade and will undergo thorough interrogation to gather intelligence on the wider network of arms suppliers and buyers operating in the region.

The successful operation demonstrates the Nigerian Army's commitment to maintaining law and order and combating organized crime across the country. By disrupting illegal arms networks and apprehending key operatives, the Army aims to enhance security and stability in Delta State and beyond.

Moreover, the discovery of the illegal armoury serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive threat posed by illicit arms proliferation to the safety and security of communities in Delta State. The presence of such weapons amplifies the risk of violence, conflict, and instability, undermining efforts to promote peace and development in the region.

In response to this threat, concerted efforts must be made to strengthen border security, enhance intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and improve coordination among law enforcement agencies to prevent the illicit trafficking of arms and combat transnational organized crime effectively.

Furthermore, community engagement initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of arms proliferation and encouraging the reporting of suspicious activities can play a crucial role in mobilizing grassroots support for security efforts. By fostering partnerships between law enforcement agencies, local communities, and civil society organizations, sustainable solutions to the challenges posed by illicit arms trafficking can be developed and implemented.

In conclusion, the discovery of the illegal armoury and subsequent seizure of arms and ammunition represent a significant milestone in the fight against organized crime in Delta State. However, sustained efforts are required to dismantle criminal networks, disrupt illicit arms trafficking routes, and address the root causes of insecurity in the region. Only through collective action and a comprehensive approach can lasting peace and stability be achieved in Delta State and Nigeria as a whole.