Troops of the 82 Division/JTF South-East Operations have arrested a bar owner and recovered five firearms during a follow-up investigation into alleged arms racketeering in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Security sources disclosed that the operation followed the arrest of Cpl. Ibrahim Mustapha of the 185 Battalion and a civilian, identified as Mr Odera, over their alleged involvement in arms racketeering.
During interrogation, the soldier reportedly revealed that the firearms were being kept by the owner of Prince Bar in Azia community, Ihiala LGA.
Acting on the information, troops raided the premises and arrested the bar owner, identified as 31-year-old Ikenna Okolie, popularly known as Big Star.
A preliminary interrogation of Okolie reportedly led to the recovery of three pump-action guns and two locally fabricated firearms, bringing the total number of recovered weapons to five.
The soldier and the other suspects are currently in the custody of the 302 Artillery Regiment for further investigation.
The investigation is expected to establish the source of the recovered firearms, trace possible links to other suspects and determine the extent of the alleged arms trafficking network.
The operation forms part of ongoing security efforts to dismantle illegal arms networks, disrupt the circulation of illicit weapons and identify individuals involved in arms trafficking across the South-East.
The allegations against the suspects have yet to be established in court.
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