Troops of the Nigerian Army under the 13 Brigade have arrested two suspected arms runners linked to recent hostilities in the Odonget community in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The suspects, identified as Sunday Ayam and Afriday Augustus, are currently in the custody of security operatives.

The military spokesperson, Yemi Sokoya, disclosed this in Calabar, stating that the arrest followed ongoing security operations in Obubra Local Government Area aimed at consolidating earlier gains made against armed criminal elements operating in Odonget.

According to him, the suspects were intercepted during a stop-and-search operation conducted by troops at the Obubra checkpoint at about 12:58 p.m. on March 13, 2026.

He explained that the operation formed part of continued efforts by the military to deny criminal elements freedom of movement and prevent the circulation of illegal arms within the area.

Preliminary findings, he said, indicate that the suspects and the ammunition recovered from them are linked to the ongoing security disturbances in the Odonget area.

"The suspects are currently in custody, while investigations have commenced to determine the source of the ammunition, its intended destination and the suspects’ possible involvement in the recent security disturbances,” Sokoya said.

The Commander of the 13 Brigade, Patrick Alimikhena, commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism during the operation.

He noted that the arrest underscores the effectiveness of the ongoing military operations targeted at dismantling criminal networks responsible for violence and insecurity in the area.

Alimikhena reassured residents that troops would continue to intensify aggressive operations, checkpoints and patrols across the brigade’s area of responsibility in order to prevent the movement of illegal arms and maintain peace.

He also urged residents of Cross River State to remain law-abiding and support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist in tackling criminal activities. (The Nation, but headline rejigged )

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