DSS Arrests Gunrunner In Cross River, Recovers 832 Rounds Of Live Ammunition

Calabar, Cross River State – Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a suspected gunrunner, Kelvin Ebikeniye Dugo, during a targeted operation at Ivara Esu Estate in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The arrest, which occurred on Monday, followed credible intelligence reports indicating Dugo’s intention to procure 832 rounds of live ammunition from Azenda Barnabas, alias Jagaban, a fellow suspected arms dealer operating from Aliade in Benue State. Security sources, speaking to NaijaChoice News, revealed that the ammunition was cleverly hidden inside food items to evade detection.

According to the sources, DSS operatives intercepted Dugo shortly after he took delivery of the consignment. Items recovered from the suspect include the 832 rounds of ammunition and two empty AK-47 magazines. This operation underscores the agency’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal arms trafficking across Nigeria.

“The DSS has ramped up its crackdown on gunrunning networks, with sustained operations in various states of the federation,” the source stated. “This successful interception is part of broader nationwide initiatives aimed at dismantling syndicates involved in the proliferation of illicit weapons and ensuring public safety.”

NaijaChoice News gathered that Dugo is currently in custody, undergoing interrogation as investigations continue to uncover potential links to larger arms smuggling rings. Authorities believe this arrest could lead to further breakthroughs in curbing insecurity in the South-South and North-Central regions, where illegal firearms have fueled communal clashes and criminal activities.

The DSS has reiterated its commitment to national security, urging citizens to report suspicious activities. Similar operations in recent months have yielded arrests in states like Delta and Benue, highlighting the pervasive challenge of arms proliferation in Nigeria.

Efforts to reach the DSS spokesperson for official confirmation were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report, but multiple security sources corroborated the details.