The Department of State Services (DSS) has intercepted three general-purpose machine guns, seven AK-47 rifles and other high-calibre weapons in an operation in Cross River State. Two suspected gunrunners were also arrested as security agencies work to disrupt the illegal arms trade.Cross River Deputy Governor Peter Odey disclosed the development on Friday, October 23, after inspecting the recovered weapons at the DSS state headquarters in Calabar.
He commended the security agencies for the operation, saying the interception could help prevent violence in the state and neighbouring areas.Odey warned that the weapons could have been used to intimidate political opponents, terrorists communities and disrupt lawful political activities, particularly ahead of the forthcoming general elections. He said investigations must establish where the weapons came from, who financed their movement and who was expected to receive them.The state government pledged continued support for security agencies and called for sustained intelligence gathering and joint operations to prevent illegal firearms from reaching criminal groups. Investigations are expected to uncover other people connected to the suspected arms trafficking network.
Joseph Akwagiobe is a media contributor from Cross River State, Nigeria, currently based in Abuja. He is a graduate of Microbiology and has earned several professional certifications across diverse fields, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and excellence.