Army Arrests Suspected Arms Traffickers, Recovers Weapons in Anambra
Korede Abdullah 
ANAMBRA, Nigeria – The Nigerian Army says troops have arrested a suspected arms dealer and recovered five firearms during an operation in Azia community, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The Army disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying the operation was carried out by troops of Operation Udo Ka following the arrest of suspected arms dealers who allegedly identified the owner of Prince Bar as the person keeping the weapons. “Acting on the information, troops swiftly raided the location and arrested the bar owner, identified as 31-year-old Mr. Ikenna Oklie, alias ‘Big Star’,” the statement said.
According to the Army, preliminary interrogation of the suspect led to the recovery of three pump-action guns and two locally fabricated firearms.
The military said the recovery formed part of ongoing efforts to disrupt illegal arms trafficking and prevent weapons from reaching criminal groups. “The recovery represents a significant step in ongoing efforts to disrupt illegal arms trafficking networks and deny criminal elements access to weapons capable of threatening lives and public safety,” the Army said.
The operation was conducted under Operation Udo Ka, a military initiative aimed at tackling insecurity and criminal activity in the South-East.
The region has faced persistent security challenges, including attacks on security personnel and civilians, armed violence and the circulation of illegal weapons.
The Army said the suspect was being held at the 302 Artillery Regiment for further investigation and necessary legal action.
The statement did not provide further details about the identities or number of other suspects allegedly arrested before the raid, nor did it specify whether the recovered firearms would undergo forensic examination.
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