Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a suspected gunrunner, Kelvin Dugo, in Cross River State while he was allegedly attempting to take delivery of a large cache of ammunition.

The suspect was apprehended at Ivara Esu Estate in Odukpani Local Government Area following credible intelligence indicating his plan to procure 832 rounds of live ammunition.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday, the ammunition was allegedly supplied by another suspected gunrunner, Azenda Barnabas, also known as Jagaban, who is reportedly based in Aliade, Benue State.

A source disclosed that DSS operatives intercepted Dugo shortly after he received the consignment, which had been concealed inside food items. Items recovered from him include 832 rounds of ammunition and two empty AK-47 magazines.

The source further explained that the arrest forms part of ongoing DSS operations aimed at combating the proliferation of illegal arms and dismantling gunrunning networks across the country.

“The DSS has intensified efforts to track down and apprehend individuals involved in illegal arms dealings, with sustained operations ongoing across various states of the federation.

“This successful interception is one of several nationwide efforts, underscoring the DSS’s firm commitment to dismantling gunrunning syndicates and curbing the spread of illicit weapons,” the source stated.

The arrest comes amid heightened efforts by security agencies to curb the spread of illegal arms and ammunition, which has been linked to the rising incidence of banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence across Nigeria.

In recent months, the DSS has ramped up intelligence-driven operations targeting suspected gunrunners and arms trafficking networks operating in multiple states.