Troops of the Nigerian Army have intercepted a truck transporting 164,650 rounds of live cartridges in Anambra State, raising fresh concerns over the proliferation of illegal arms in the region.
The operation, which took place in the Umunze area of Orumba South Local Government Area, was part of a routine patrol when the truck drew the suspicion of the troops. A thorough search revealed thousands of cartridges concealed beneath bags of goods, in what appears to be a covert arms trafficking attempt.
Military authorities confirmed that the driver and several others were arrested on the spot and are currently in custody. Investigations are underway to uncover the source of the ammunition and its intended destination.
“This interception is a significant breakthrough,” a military source told reporters. “The volume of cartridges recovered suggests an organized effort to move arms across state lines, and we are working to trace those behind it.”
The Nigerian Army has stepped up its operations in the Southeast amid ongoing security concerns, including attacks by armed groups and criminal networks.
As of press time, the identities of those arrested had not been disclosed, and the military has yet to issue a formal statement detailing the outcome of the preliminary investigation.
