DSS Arrests Suspected Gunrunner, Recovers 832 Rounds of Ammunition in Cross River State

By Folarin Adeyemi Aluko

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have successfully arrested a suspected gunrunner, Kelvin Ebikeniye Dugo, following a high-profile operation at Ivara Esu Estate in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. The arrest, which took place on Monday, underscores the agency’s ongoing efforts to tackle illegal arms circulation across Nigeria.

According to security sources, the arrest came after credible intelligence revealed that Dugo was planning to purchase a large consignment of live ammunition from another suspected gunrunner, Azenda Barnabas (alias Jagaban), based in Aliade, Benue State. “The operatives intercepted Dugo moments after he received the consignment, which was cleverly concealed within food items,” the source said.

During the operation, DSS agents recovered a total of 832 rounds of ammunition along with two empty AK-47 magazines, preventing what could have been a potentially dangerous distribution of arms.

The source further explained that this operation is part of a broader, nationwide campaign by the DSS aimed at dismantling gun-running networks and curbing the proliferation of illegal firearms in Nigeria. “This successful seizure is one of many ongoing operations across the Federation, demonstrating the DSS’ unwavering commitment to maintaining national security and public safety,” the source added.

Security analysts have praised the DSS for its proactive measures, emphasizing that such operations are critical in preventing criminal activities, including armed robberies, kidnappings, and insurgency-related attacks.

The DSS has urged members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely information on suspicious activities. “Community engagement and intelligence sharing remain vital tools in the fight against illegal arms trafficking,” the source concluded.

This latest arrest signals a strong message to criminal networks operating within and across Nigeria’s borders: the DSS remains vigilant, and efforts to destabilize public safety will not be tolerated.