The Cross River State Government has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies following the interception of three General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and a cache of high-calibre weapons.

In a statement, the government described the operation as an important demonstration of the role of intelligence-led operations and inter-agency collaboration in identifying and addressing security threats.

It noted that intercepting illegal arms is critical to preventing dangerous weapons from reaching criminal groups that could use them to perpetrate violence and threaten public safety.

The government also stressed the need for sustained vigilance and coordinated security operations to dismantle illegal arms supply networks and restrict the movement of weapons into the hands of criminal elements.

It further highlighted the importance of tracing the sources of illicit weapons and identifying those responsible for their transportation and distribution.

For the DSS and its security partners, the operation presents an opportunity to maintain pressure on illegal arms networks, strengthen intelligence gathering and ensure that individuals linked to the movement of the weapons are investigated and, where evidence supports prosecution, brought to justice.

The interception comes amid continuing concerns over the proliferation of illegal firearms and their potential impact on public safety and security.

However, the government’s statement, as provided, did not specify where the weapons were intercepted, when the operation took place, whether any suspects were arrested or the intended destination of the arms.

Further details from the security agencies would help establish the circumstances surrounding the interception and the next steps in the investigation.

Cross River State Government commends the DSS and security agencies for intercepting three General Purpose Machine Guns and other high-calibre weapons.