Troops Intercept Truck Laden With Live Ammunition in Anambra, Nab Notorious Arms Dealer Emeka Omenife

Troops in Anambra made a major breakthrough as they intercepted a truck loaded with live ammunition and arrested a notorious gunrunner during a routine checkpoint operation.

The suspect, Emeka Omenife, was found with thousands of cartridges hidden in a disguised vehicle, marking a significant win in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against illegal arms trafficking in the Southeast.

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In a significant breakthrough against illegal arms trafficking, Nigerian troops operating under Exercise “Golden Dawn III” have intercepted a truck carrying a large cache of live ammunition in Anambra State and arrested a notorious gunrunner identified as Emeka Omenife.

According to a statement released on Monday by the Nigerian Army via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the interception took place at Igboukwu in Aguata Local Government Area during a routine stop-and-search operation carried out by troops of the 302 Artillery Regiment. The operation, part of ongoing efforts to stem the tide of insecurity in the southeastern region, led to the discovery of thousands of live cartridges and the immediate apprehension of the suspect.

The army disclosed that the truck, which was disguised to appear like a normal commercial transport vehicle, was flagged down after showing signs of suspicious movement. Upon a thorough search, troops uncovered a significant quantity of live cartridges hidden in concealed compartments. The suspect, Emeka Omenife, a native of Nkwelle-Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, reportedly failed to provide any credible documentation or explanation for the ammunition.

Omenife, who is currently in custody, is believed to be part of a wider criminal network involved in supplying arms to insurgent groups and criminal elements across the region. Military sources said the suspect has been on security watchlists for several months, with intelligence reports linking him to several armed groups operating in the Southeast.

In the wake of the arrest, the Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the Southeast region is rid of arms trafficking and other criminal activities. The statement emphasized that operations under Exercise “Golden Dawn III”, which began in 2023, have intensified patrols and surveillance in troubled zones, particularly targeting illegal arms movement, kidnappings, and activities of separatist groups.

Reacting to the development, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Hassan Dada, praised the vigilance and professionalism of the troops involved in the operation. He described the interception as “a major step in dismantling criminal supply chains” and assured the public that investigations were ongoing to expose other members of the syndicate.

General Dada further urged members of the public to remain alert and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that can assist in identifying criminal hideouts or suspicious activities in their communities. He emphasized that collective security is essential to overcoming the persistent threats of violence and lawlessness in the region.

The recovered ammunition has been handed over to appropriate authorities for forensic analysis, while Emeka Omenife will be transferred to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation and prosecution.

This incident marks yet another victory in the Nigerian Army’s broader campaign to restore peace and order in the Southeast, where gun violence and criminal gangs have posed significant challenges to both civilians and law enforcement agencies.