Army Busts Suspected Illegal Arms Network, Recovers Weapons, Arrest Suspects in South-East
Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) South-East, Operation UDO KA, have recorded major operational successes in ongoing offensives against criminal elements across the South-East, arresting several suspects and recovering a cache of arms, ammunition and other incriminating items in intelligence-led operations conducted in collaboration with other security agencies.
The Nigerian Army said the operations underscore its commitment to dismantling criminal networks and strengthening security across the region.
In one of the operations, troops of the 245 Battalion, working alongside operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), raided Balep Community along the Ikom–Ogoja Road in Cross River State, leading to the arrest of three suspects.
Items recovered during the operation included two Dane guns, one locally fabricated 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 exhibits. Preliminary investigations are ongoing.
In a separate intelligence-driven operation, information provided by the 82 Military Intelligence Brigade led troops of the 82 Division Provost Group and Sector 2 of Operation UDO KA to arrest Assistant Superintendent II Obaji Sampson of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
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Subsequent investigations resulted in 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 weapons, as well as Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement, who was identified as a major recipient.
Military authorities said the arrests exposed a suspected illegal arms supply network currently under investigation.
Acting on further intelligence, troops of the 82 Division Garrison and Sector 1 of Operation UDO KA, in conjunction with the 82 Division Provost Group, raided a residence at Achara Road, Trans-Ekulu, Golf Estate in Enugu State, where they arrested Friday Nnanna, described as a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), as well as an alleged gun runner.
During the raid, troops recovered 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, improvised explosive device (IED)-making materials, assorted swords, one smoke tear gas canister, military accoutrements, other sundry items and four vehicles.
The suspect and all recovered exhibits have been taken into military custody for further investigation.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its resolve to sustain intelligence-driven operations against criminal elements and their support networks, noting that troops would continue to collaborate with other security agencies to deny criminals freedom of movement, safeguard lives and property, and support ongoing efforts to strengthen peace, security and stability across the country.
By PRNigeria
