Troops Bust Suspected Illegal Arms Network, Recover Weapons in South-East Crackdown

Troops of the Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, have recorded major operational successes in ongoing offensives against criminal elements, leading to the recovery of arms, ammunition and the disruption of a suspected illegal arms supply network across the region.

The operations, driven by intelligence and carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, also resulted in the arrest of several suspects allegedly linked to criminal activities, as security forces intensified efforts to improve safety and stability in the South-East.

In Cross River State, troops of the 245 Battalion, working alongside operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), raided Balep Community along the Ikom–Ogoja Road. Three suspects were arrested during the operation.

Security sources disclosed that the troops recovered two Dane guns, one locally made pistol, six cartridges, military web equipment, a woodland camouflage jacket, a strike-face metal plate, an axe and substances suspected to be cannabis, among other items. Investigations into the case are ongoing.

In another major breakthrough, intelligence provided by the 82 Military Intelligence Brigade led to the arrest of Assistant Superintendent II Obaji Sampson of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) by troops of the 82 Division Provost Group and Sector 2 of Operation UDO KA.

Subsequent investigations reportedly uncovered a suspected illegal arms supply network, leading to the arrest of Superintendent Tasie Victor Nnamdi, the Unit Armourer of the NSCDC Enugu State Command, who was identified as the alleged principal supplier of the weapons. Authorities also arrested Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement, who was identified as a major recipient in the network.

Acting on further intelligence, troops of the 82 Division Garrison and Sector 1 Operation UDO KA, in conjunction with the 82 Division Provost Group, raided a residence on Achara Road in the Trans-Ekulu Golf Estate area of Enugu State.

During the operation, security operatives arrested a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), identified as Friday Nnanna, who is also alleged to be involved in gun-running activities.

Items recovered from the residence included 247 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, 29 live cartridges, four pump-action guns, one Beretta pistol, 11 different vehicle registration plates, materials suspected to be used for the fabrication of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), assorted swords, a smoke tear gas canister, military accoutrements and four vehicles.

The suspect and all recovered exhibits have been taken into military custody for further investigation.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations against criminal groups and their support networks across the country.

It stated that troops would continue to work closely with other security agencies to deny criminals freedom of operation, protect lives and property, and strengthen ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace, security and stability in the South-East and across Nigeria.