Troops of the Headquarters, 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under Operation Eastern Sanity II, have arrested three individuals suspected of engaging in illegal arms dealing during a security operation in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State.

The operation, conducted in the early hours of Sunday, also led to the recovery of weapons and ammunition. It forms part of the military’s ongoing campaign to tackle the spread of illegal arms and enhance security across the state.

In a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, Mazinho Attah, troops from the 14 Brigade Garrison and the 14 Military Intelligence Regiment, working alongside other security agencies, carried out a cordon-and-search operation in Amaetiti Iheshiowa community, Arochukwu LGA.

According to the statement, the operation was launched following credible intelligence indicating the alleged presence and circulation of arms and ammunition within the community.

During the exercise, security operatives arrested three suspects identified as Francis Ifere, 37; Oso Kalu, 40; and Ifere Oti, 32. Recovered items included seven locally made dane guns, 22 live cartridges, and a motorcycle believed to have been used in connection with the suspects’ activities.

Troops also seized a bus belonging to one Stephen Kalu, who reportedly escaped before security personnel arrived at the scene.

The Nigerian Army stated that troops deployed across battalion areas within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility have continued to intensify night patrols, surveillance operations, and other routine security activities aimed at restricting the movement of criminal elements and safeguarding lives and property.

The military described the operation as another major breakthrough in its sustained efforts to combat criminal activities and the proliferation of illegal arms in the South-East region.

The 14 Brigade Headquarters reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining robust security operations in partnership with other security agencies to ensure lasting peace, stability, and safety across Abia State and neighbouring areas.