Troops arrest bar owner, recover five guns in Anambra arms racketeering investigation

Troops of the 82 Division/JTF South-East Operations have arrested a bar owner and recovered five firearms during a follow-up investigation into an alleged arms racketeering case in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Security sources said the operation followed the arrest of Cpl Ibrahim Mustapha of the 185 Battalion and one Mr Odera over alleged arms racketeering.

During interrogation, the soldier reportedly disclosed that the weapons were kept in the custody of the owner of Prince Bar, located in Azia community, Ihiala LGA.

Acting on the information, troops immediately stormed the location and arrested the bar owner, identified as 31-year-old Mr Ikenna Oklie, popularly known as Big Star.

A preliminary interrogation of the suspect reportedly led to the recovery of three pump-action guns and two locally fabricated firearms.

The soldier and the other suspects are currently in the custody of the 302 Artillery Regiment for further investigation.

The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces to dismantle illegal arms networks and trace the sources and custodians of illicit weapons in the South-East, security analyst Zagazola Makama reported.