By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
In a major blow to transnational arms trafficking, Nigerian security forces have intercepted a truck laden with over 164,000 live cartridges along the busy Asaba–Onitsha expressway in Anambra State, exposing a dangerous international smuggling network.
The breakthrough operation, which took place on May 29, was executed by troops of Sector 5 of Operation UDO KA in collaboration with operatives of the 63 Brigade and the Department of State Services (DSS). The interception was based on actionable intelligence that led to the swift arrest of the suspected arms courier, Emeka Omenife.
Security sources revealed that Omenife was immediately handed over to the DSS for interrogation. During questioning, he reportedly confessed to being a member of a larger international syndicate that specializes in trafficking ammunition from Ghana into Nigeria.
“This is not just a local arms deal gone wrong. We are talking about a well-organized cross-border trafficking ring that has now been exposed,” a senior intelligence officer involved in the operation disclosed under anonymity.
The crackdown didn’t end with the first arrest. Acting on Omenife’s confession, troops launched a follow-up sting operation and apprehended another suspect, Uchenna Obiora, at the Onitsha–Awka tollgate on May 30. Obiora was reportedly waiting to receive the illicit consignment.
Security operatives confirmed that the truck had been meticulously modified to conceal the cartridges in a bid to evade detection. However, the coordinated effort of military and intelligence operatives outsmarted the smugglers.
“This operation is a warning to those threatening Nigeria’s internal security. The synergy between the military and intelligence services is stronger than ever. We will continue to hunt down these criminal networks and dismantle them completely,” said a spokesperson familiar with the operation.
Authorities have reassured the public that investigations are ongoing, with more arrests likely as the syndicate’s network is unraveled.
The massive arms seizure comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, a trend that has worsened insecurity across many regions. This latest operation underscores the urgent need for tighter border control and sustained intelligence-driven operations.