Troops of Operation Udo Ka have arrested suspected arms racketeers and recovered five firearms during a raid at Azia community in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Nigerian Army said the operation followed the arrest of suspected arms racketeers who disclosed that the weapons were kept in the custody of the owner of Prince Bar in Azia community. 

“Acting on the information, troops swiftly raided the location and arrested the bar owner, identified as 31-year-old Mr Ikenna Oklie, alias ‘Big Star’,” the statement read.

It stated that a preliminary interrogation of the suspect led to the recovery of three pump-action guns and two locally fabricated firearms, bringing the total number of recovered weapons to five. 

“The recovery represents a significant step in ongoing efforts to disrupt illegal arms trafficking networks and deny criminal elements access to weapons capable of threatening lives and public safety,” it said.

The army added that the suspects are currently in the custody of the 302 Artillery Regiment for further investigation and necessary legal action.