This special edition of the weekly update spotlights illegal arms production and trafficking in the Niger Delta with a focus on the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons (SALW) in Abia State. According to data (see map below), more than 28% of reported incidents of illicit arms trafficking in the Niger Delta, between January 2018 and June 2021, occurred in Abia State. Recent data also shows an increase in the prolifera-tion of illicit arms in the State. In May 2021, for instance, the police in Ebonyi State reportedly intercepted a gang of illegal arms dealers on their way to Umuahia, the Abia State capital, and recovered 753 live ammunition of General-Purpose Machine Gun. Also, in May, hoodlums reportedly attacked a police station and stole two AK-47 rifles in Ubakala community, Umuahia South LGA. Recently, on September 3, 2021, the police reportedly arrested two female illegal arms dealers and recovered several ammunition including 13 cartridges and two single-barrel guns at two different locations in Isuikwuato and Umuahia South LGAs. The suspects were reportedly intercepted while trafficking arms to criminals.
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