The Nigerian Army has scored a major victory in its relentless fight against illegal arms trafficking! In a swift and decisive operation in Rivers State, they’ve apprehended a notorious gunrunner, Peter Onyeali Chibueze, and seized a significant cache of deadly weapons. This bust is a huge step towards making our streets safer and curbing the flow of illegal firearms that fuel so much trouble.
- The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army executed a successful sting operation.
- A high-profile gunrunner, Peter Onyeali Chibueze, was arrested.
- A massive haul of 15 Italian-made automatic double-barrel guns was recovered.
- The suspect was caught trying to retrieve hidden firearms.
- This operation is part of a wider effort to stop the spread of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW).
Operation Eagle Eye: How the Army Snared a Major Arms Dealer
Big ups to the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army for their sharp intelligence and brave action! On September 19, 2025, they pulled off a brilliant sting operation right in the heart of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. They nabbed Peter Onyeali Chibueze, a name that’s been whispered with fear among security circles, and guess what? They found him trying to pick up a sack stuffed with a whopping 15 Italian-made automatic double-barrel guns! This isn’t just any bust; this is a direct hit on the supply line of illegal weapons plaguing our region.
The Suspect and His Dirty Business
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, the acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, spilled the beans on this incredible success. The suspect, a 36-year-old man from Mbaitoli Local Government Area in Imo State, was apparently caught red-handed. The guns were cleverly hidden in a sack disguised with clothing, a trick that almost worked but wasn’t good enough for our vigilant soldiers. Early investigations show that Chibueze was deep in the arms-trafficking game and had been on the radar of security agencies for a while. Sources indicate he was getting his deadly merchandise from the busy markets in Onitsha, Anambra State, a notorious hub for such illicit trade.
Crushing the Network: More Than Just One Arrest
Lt. Col. Danjuma emphasized that this arrest is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. “The 6 Division, Nigerian Army, has been conducting a series of kinetic and non-kinetic operations with significant successes recorded,” he stated. This particular operation builds on previous successes, including another sting operation in September 2025 that busted a different gunrunning syndicate and recovered two English pistols, four locally made pistols, and a double-barrel shotgun. It’s clear that these syndicates have been using major corridors, including Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa States, to move their illegal goods. This latest arrest is a major step in dismantling their entire network.
A Safer Niger Delta is the Goal
The Army is doubling down on its commitment to keep the Niger Delta region safe. Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division and Land Component Commander of Operation DELTA SAFE, has made it clear that the military will not rest until criminal elements are off the streets. “In the days ahead, the rhythm of the operation will increase, and identified flashpoints will be combed accordingly,” Danjuma warned. The message is clear: if you’re involved in criminal activities, especially arms trafficking, your time is running out. The Army is urging anyone with credible information about criminal activities to step forward and assist them. Your tip could be the key to preventing the next crime.
Key Recoveries:
| Item | Quantity | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic Double-Barrel Guns | 15 | Italian-made |
The fight against illegal weapons is a collective effort, and the Nigerian Army is leading the charge with bravery and precision. This successful operation in Rivers State sends a strong message to criminals: your days of profiting from violence are numbered!