Troops of 245 Battalion, operating under Headquarters 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have arrested a suspected gun runner and ammunition racketeer during an intelligence-led operation in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Headquarters 13 Brigade’s spokesperson, Maj. Yemi Shokoya, disclosed on Tuesday that the arrest was carried out on Sunday, 25 January 2026, following credible intelligence received by troops deployed in the area.
The suspect, identified as Mr. Ojo Friday, is an indigene of Ochon in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State and a resident of Abomege, Ebonyi State.
During the operation, troops recovered 245 pump-action cartridges believed to be intended for illicit distribution. The suspect and recovered items are currently in military custody, while preliminary investigations are ongoing.
Commenting on the operation, the Commander 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General P. O. Alimikhena, said the arrest underscores the Brigade’s proactive, intelligence-driven approach to internal security and its resolve to disrupt illegal arms supply networks.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to working closely with sister security agencies and host communities to curb the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, while ensuring a secure environment for socio-economic activities within the Brigade’s area of responsibility.
Brigadier General Alimikhena commended the troops for their professionalism, vigilance, and swift response, and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security efforts.
