By Deborah Nnamdi
Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have apprehended a notorious gunrunner identified as Peter Onyeali Chibueze, recovering a cache of arms, including 15 Italian-made automatic double-barrel guns, during a sting operation in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The operation, conducted on September 19, 2025, was part of ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) across the Niger Delta region.
Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, who briefed journalists on the development, said the 36-year-old suspect — a native of Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State — was caught while attempting to retrieve the concealed weapons hidden in a sack of clothing materials.
According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had long been on the radar of security agencies for his involvement in arms trafficking and illicit weapons deals.
“The operation was intelligence-led and marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to dismantle gunrunning networks in the Niger Delta,” Lt. Col. Jonah stated.
“The cache of arms was cleverly concealed in a consignment to evade detection, but our vigilant troops, acting on credible intelligence, successfully intercepted it.”
He recalled that in September 2025, the Division had earlier busted another gunrunning syndicate, recovering two English pistols, four locally fabricated pistols, and a double-barrelled gun, while uncovering routes used by arms couriers through Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa States.
Lt. Col. Jonah added that the latest arrest represents a consolidation of those successes and demonstrates the Army’s resolve to suppress the flow of illegal weapons in the region.
“Efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate,” he said. “This operation underscores the Division’s unwavering commitment to curbing arms proliferation, protecting national assets, and maintaining peace and stability in the Niger Delta.”
He reaffirmed the determination of the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA SAFE, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, to sustain operations that ensure safety, security, and economic stability across the region.
Jonah also warned criminal elements to desist from illegal activities and embrace legitimate ventures, noting that the Army’s operations will be intensified in the coming days.
“In the days ahead, the rhythm of operations will increase, and identified flashpoints will be combed accordingly,” he warned.
He urged residents to support ongoing military efforts by providing credible and actionable intelligence to aid in the fight against crime and insecurity in the Niger Delta.
