By Godwin Otang
The Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS) in a joint operation, have arrested six suspected syndicates who specialize in gun running activities in Obudu and Boki Local Government Areas of Cross River State.
A statement signed by Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, revealed that the operation followed credible intelligence revealing the illicit activities of the gunrunners in Obudu and Biajua in Boki LGA.
According to the statement by the Military Spokesperson, “In the sting operation, the leader of the gun-running syndicate was nabbed alongside his accomplices, including two Nigerians and two Cameroonians.
“During preliminary investigations, it was revealed that the accomplices purchased firearms, which they, in turn, sell to a middleman who supplies the arms and ammunition to Ambazonian Separatists in the Republic of Cameroon.”
The statement added: “A subsequent operation conducted on Thursday 10 August 2023 led to the arrest of the gunrunning kingpin, Raphael, aka Biajua, a Cameroonian at Biajua Community in Boki LGA of Cross River State.”
The troops said they also recovered four semi-automatic pump action rifles and four mobile phones from the operations.
The Army however enjoins the general public to remain vigilant and report any untoward activity to the security agencies, in support of ongoing operations to curb security challenges.
