THE Department of State Services (DSS) says its operatives have intercepted three general-purpose machine guns (GPMGs), seven AK-47 rifles and other high-calibre weapons during an operation in Cross River State.
News Point Nigeria reports that the state’s Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, commended the DSS and other security agencies for the operation on Friday after inspecting the seized weapons at the service’s state headquarters in Calabar.
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Odey, who visited the facility on behalf of Governor Bassey Otu, said the interception would help prevent the weapons from being used to perpetrate violence in Cross River and neighbouring states.
He also said the arrest of two suspected gunrunners during the operation could assist security agencies in tracking down other individuals involved in the illegal arms trade.
The deputy governor noted that the weapons could have been used to fuel violence, particularly during the forthcoming general election, had they not been intercepted.
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“Arms of this nature, if placed in the wrong hands, could be used to intimidate political opponents, terrorise communities, disrupt lawful political activities and inflict irreversible harm on innocent citizens. We will not sit idly by while anyone attempts to undermine the safety of our people,” Odey said.
He stressed the need for a comprehensive investigation to identify everyone involved in the alleged arms trafficking operation, beyond those physically transporting the weapons.
“The people who physically move weapons are only one part of the investigation. We must establish where these arms came from, who arranged their transportation, who financed the operation and who was expected to receive them. Anyone found to have participated in this criminal enterprise will be brought before the law,” he said.
Odey praised the collaboration between the DSS, other security agencies and the military, saying the partnership had strengthened the state government’s efforts to tackle criminal activities.
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He reaffirmed the state government’s support for security agencies in their efforts to protect lives and property, maintain peace and curb crime across Cross River State.
The deputy governor also urged the agencies to sustain their intelligence-gathering efforts and joint operations to prevent the circulation of illegal firearms and strengthen security throughout the state.
