Troops of the Nigerian Army on Tuesday intercepted a truck loaded with live ammunition in Anambra State, arresting a notorious arms trafficker identified as Emeka Omenife. operation, carried out following credible intelligence, took place along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway, near Oba in Idemili South Local Government Area.According to military sources, the truck, which was disguised as a delivery vehicle transporting building materials, was flagged down during a routine search at a checkpoint. Upon closer inspection, troops discovered hundreds of sealed cartons containing thousands of rounds of live ammunition, hidden beneath a false flooring in the vehicle.
The suspect, Emeka Omenife, a well-known figure on the security watchlist, attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended after a brief pursuit. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the arms were destined for criminal elements operating within the South-East region, including violent secessionist groups and armed bandits terrorizing communities.Speaking on the operation, Brigadier General Nwachukwu Eze, spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, described the seizure as a “critical interception that has no doubt averted imminent attacks and bloodshed in the region.
The suspect, Emeka Omenife, has been on our radar for several months. His arrest is a major step forward in dismantling a growing network of arms suppliers fueling insecurity in the South-East. We commend the troops for their vigilance and swift action,” Brigadier General Eze said.Security experts say the arrest further underscores the need for enhanced intelligence-sharing between the military, police, and civilian population, especially in flashpoint areas vulnerable to insurgency, cultism, and illegal arms trafficking.Meanwhile, the suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing interrogation. Authorities confirmed that he would be handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation and prosecution.
The Nigerian Army also used the opportunity to appeal to the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, emphasizing that community cooperation remains a key pillar in combating insecurity.This latest development comes amid heightened military operations across the South-East under Operation UDO KA, aimed at rooting out armed militias and restoring peace in the region.As the investigation continues, authorities say more arrests may follow, with efforts being intensified to uncover the entire network involved in the arms smuggling syndicate.
Source: Nigerian Army Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR), June 3, 2025.FrontNaija News will continue to monitor this story and provide updates as more details emerge.
