Operation UDO KA Troops Bust Suspected Illegal Arms Network, Recover Weapons in South East
Troops of Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA have intensified offensive operations across the South East, arresting several suspects, uncovering a suspected illegal arms supply network involving security personnel, and recovering a cache of weapons, ammunition, and other incriminating items in coordinated intelligence led operations.
The military said the operations, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, were aimed at disrupting criminal networks and strengthening security across the region.
In Cross River State, troops of the 245 Battalion, working alongside operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, raided Balep Community along the Ikom to Ogoja Road. Three suspects were arrested during the operation.
Items recovered included 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. The recovered items are undergoing further examination as investigations continue.
In another development, intelligence provided by the 82 Military Intelligence Brigade led troops of the 82 Division Provost Group and Sector 2 Operation UDO KA to arrest Assistant Superintendent II Obaji Sampson of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Subsequent investigations resulted in the arrest of Superintendent Tasie Victor Nnamdi, the Unit Armourer of the NSCDC Enugu State Command, who is suspected of supplying weapons illegally, and Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement, who was identified as a major recipient. The arrests uncovered what military authorities described as a suspected illegal arms supply network.
Acting on additional intelligence, troops of the 82 Division Garrison and Sector 1 Operation UDO KA, in conjunction with the 82 Division Provost Group, raided a residence at Achara Road in the Trans Ekulu Golf Estate area of Enugu.
During the operation, troops arrested Friday Nnanna, described by the military as a suspected member of the proscribed IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, as well as an alleged gun runner.
A search of the premises led to the recovery of 247 rounds of 7.62 millimetre special ammunition, 12 rounds of 9 millimetre pistol ammunition, 29 live cartridges, four pump action guns, one Beretta pistol, 11 vehicle registration plates, materials suspected to be used for the manufacture of improvised explosive devices, assorted swords, one smoke tear gas canister, military accoutrements, and four vehicles.
The suspect and all recovered exhibits are in military custody as investigations continue.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence led operations against criminal groups and their support networks, stressing that troops will continue working with other security agencies to deny criminal elements freedom of action, protect lives and property, and strengthen peace and security across the country.
