Troops of the 245 Battalion, under the operational control of Headquarters 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, have arrested a suspected gun runner and ammunition racketeer during an intelligence-led operation in Abi Local Council of Cross River State.

The arrest followed credible intelligence received by troops deployed in the area.

The suspect, identified as Ojo Friday, is an indigene of Ochon in Obubra Local Council of Cross River State but resides in Abomege, Ebonyi State.

The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Yemi Sokoya, said troops recovered 245 pump-action cartridges during the operation, which were allegedly intended for illicit distribution.

In a statement, Sokoya said the suspect and recovered ammunition had been taken into custody, while preliminary investigations were ongoing.

He added that the brigade remained committed to proactive measures to prevent the circulation of small arms and to maintain peace and security within its area of responsibility.

Commenting on the operation, the Commander of 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General PO Alimikhena, said the arrest underscored the army’s intelligence-driven approach to internal security and its resolve to disrupt illegal arms supply chains.

“This operation demonstrates our proactive, intelligence-driven approach to internal security and our commitment to disrupting illicit arms supply chains that threaten peace and stability. The Nigerian Army, under 13 Brigade, will continue to work closely with sister security agencies and host communities to prevent the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

We remain committed to maintaining a secure environment for socio-economic activities within our area of responsibility,” Alimikhena said.

He commended the troops for their professionalism and vigilance, noting that the success reflected the brigade’s high operational readiness.

Alimikhena also urged members of the public to continue supporting the Nigerian Army with timely and credible information to enhance collective security.