DSS intercepts three machine guns, seven AK-47 rifles, others during operation in Cross River
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 in an operation in Cross River state.
Peter Odey, the state’s deputy governor, 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.
Odey, who visited on behalf of Bassey Otu, governor of Cross River, said the interception would help prevent the weapons from being used to cause violence in Cross River and neighbouring states.
He also said the arrest of two suspected gunrunners during the operation could help security agencies track down others 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, if they had not been intercepted.
“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.
“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 praised the collaboration between the DSS, other security agencies and the military, saying it had strengthened the state government’s efforts to tackle criminal activities.
Odey reaffirmed the state government’s support for security agencies in their efforts to protect lives and property, maintain peace and curb crime.
He urged the agencies to sustain their intelligence-gathering and joint operations to prevent the circulation of illegal firearms and strengthen security across the state.
