Troops of Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA have recorded major breakthroughs in ongoing operations across the South-East, arresting several suspects, dismantling a suspected illegal arms supply network and recovering a cache of weapons, ammunition and other incriminating items.
The Nigerian Army said the successes were achieved through intelligence-led operations carried out in collaboration with other security agencies as part of efforts to improve security and disrupt criminal activities in the region.
In Cross River State, troops of 245 Battalion, working with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), raided Balep Community along the Ikom–Ogoja Road, leading to the arrest of three suspects. During the operation, security personnel recovered two Dane guns, a 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. Preliminary investigations are ongoing.
In another operation, 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 (NSCDC).
Further investigations resulted in the arrest of Superintendent Tasie Victor Nnamdi, the Unit Armourer of the NSCDC Enugu State Command, who was identified as the suspected principal supplier of illegal arms. Also arrested was Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement, who was identified as a major recipient. The arrests uncovered what security 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 on Achara Road in the Trans-Ekulu Golf Estate area of Enugu State. During the operation, they arrested Friday Nnanna, a suspected member of IPOB/ESN and alleged gun runner.
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, a Beretta pistol, 11 different vehicle registration plates, materials suspected to be used for improvised explosive device production, assorted swords, a smoke tear gas canister, military accoutrements and four vehicles.
The suspect and all recovered items are currently in military custody as investigations continue.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations against criminal elements and their support networks. It added that troops would continue to work closely with other security agencies to deny criminals freedom of action, protect lives and property, and strengthen peace, security and stability across the country.
