Troops Intercept IPOB/ESN-Bound 164,000 Live Cartridges
Troops of Operation UDO KA Sector 5, in a coordinated operation with the 63 Brigade and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have intercepted a massive cache of ammunition allegedly destined for the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The joint operation, conducted on May 29, 2025, along the Asaba–Onitsha expressway, led to the seizure of over 164,000 live cartridges hidden inside a truck. Acting swiftly on actionable intelligence, security personnel also arrested a key suspect, identified as Mr. Emeka Omenife, believed to be a major courier in the arms smuggling network.
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According to security sources cited by Zagazola Makama, Omenife has since been handed over to the DSS for further investigation. During preliminary interrogation, he reportedly confessed to being part of a cross-border syndicate involved in trafficking ammunition from Ghana into Nigeria, with the consignment allegedly meant to arm IPOB/ESN operatives.
Following his confession, troops on May 30 arrested a second suspect, Uchenna Obiora, at the Onitsha–Awka tollgate. Obiora was allegedly waiting to receive the arms consignment at the time of his arrest.
The successful sting operation prevented what could have been a significant boost to the firepower of the outlawed separatist group, marking a major win for security forces battling rising threats in the southeastern region.
Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing to unravel the full network behind the smuggling operation and to prevent future arms trafficking attempts.
By PRNigeria
