Police operatives in Anambra State have arrested a 65-year-old man, identified as Akpan Godwin, after he was allegedly found in possession of more than 1,000 rounds of live ammunition in Nkpor, near Onitsha.
The spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Saturday.
He explained that the suspect was intercepted by officers of the Rapid Response Squad attached to Akwuzu on Friday following credible intelligence.
“Acting on reliable information, our operatives arrested one Akpan Godwin, aged 65, and recovered about 1,100 rounds of live ammunition from him,” Ikenga said.
According to him, the suspect admitted during interrogation that he was engaged in the illegal sale of ammunition.
He also reportedly revealed the names of other individuals linked to the arms trade in the state.
Ikenga further noted that investigations have been intensified to track down Godwin’s accomplices and dismantle the criminal network supplying firearms.
“Our operatives are extending the probe to ensure every member of this syndicate is arrested and brought to justice,” the police spokesperson added.
The arrest comes amid rising concerns over the proliferation of arms in Anambra, a state that has been grappling with violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cult-related clashes, and attacks by gunmen.
In recent months, the police command has made several breakthroughs in combating arms smuggling and illegal possession of weapons.
In August, four suspects were arrested in separate operations in Onitsha and Obosi for alleged involvement in arms trafficking.
Just last week, the command recovered vandalised high-tension cables, transformer parts, and locally-made weapons.
Four suspects were arrested during the raid, while another suspect reportedly died from gunshot injuries sustained while attempting to flee from security operatives.
The police assured residents that operations against gunrunners and criminal gangs would continue until their networks are completely dismantled.