The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has apprehended a notorious gunrunner identified as Peter Onyeali Chibueze and recovered a cache of arms, including 15 Italian-made automatic double-barrel guns, in a sting operation conducted on 19 September 2025 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, the suspect, a 36-year-old native of Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, was caught while attempting to retrieve the concealed firearms hidden in a sack containing clothing materials.
Danjuma said the operation was part of the Nigerian Army’s efforts to curb the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in the Joint Operation Area.
He said preliminary investigations revealed that the gunrunner was involved in arms-trafficking deals and had been on the watch list of security agencies.
He added that the suspect allegedly purchased the arms from the Onitsha market in Anambra State.
He said: “The 6 Division, Nigerian Army, has been conducting a series of kinetic and non-kinetic operations with significant successes recorded. You have been provided with periodic updates on operational strides achieved, particularly on the ongoing anti-crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism operations, as well as several other operational successes recorded.
“Recall that sometime in September 2025, troops of 6 Division busted a notorious gunrunning syndicate. This operation led to the recovery of two English pistols, four locally fabricated pistols, and a double-barrelled gun.
“Additionally, it was established that the arrested gunrunners were engaged in arms courier deals, using the Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa States corridor.
“Consolidating on the successes achieved, today we are here basically to parade a notorious gunrunner, whose arrest marks a significant shift in the ongoing operations in the Niger Delta.
“Again, troops of the Division conducted an intelligence-led operation, which resulted in the arrest of the notorious gunrunner and the recovery of a cache of arms.”
Danjuma added: “The operations led to the arrest of the notorious gunrunner and the recovery of fifteen (15) automatic pump-action rifles, carefully concealed in a consignment to evade detection by security agencies. Thankfully, they were uncovered by the vigilant troops of the Division through credible intelligence.”
While noting that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate, Danjuma said the successful operation underscores the Division’s unwavering commitment to curbing the proliferation of SALW and dismantling criminal networks in the Niger Delta, in addition to its operational responsibility of safeguarding critical national infrastructure in the region.
He further reaffirmed the commitment of the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA SAFE, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, to ensuring safety and security in the Niger Delta Region, particularly in ensuring that socio-economic activities thrive.
He also advised criminal elements in the region to turn a new leaf and engage in legitimate businesses, warning that:
“In the days ahead, the rhythm of the operation will increase, and identified flashpoints will be combed accordingly.”
He, however, used the medium to call on members of the public to continue supporting the Division’s operations by providing actionable, credible intelligence on the activities of criminal elements in their domain.
