Troops of Joint Task Force South East Operation Udo Ka have uncovered a suspected illegal arms supply network after intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of three security personnel and the recovery of weapons and ammunition in Enugu State.
This was announced on 1 July in an official statement by the Nigerian Army. The operation formed part of efforts to disrupt criminal networks in the South-East.
The arrest followed intelligence received by the 82 Military Intelligence Brigade, which led troops of the 82 Division Provost Group and Sector 2 Operation Udo Ka to apprehend Assistant Superintendent II Obaji Sampson of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Further investigation led to the arrest of Superintendent Tasie Victor Nnamdi, the Unit Armourer of the NSCDC Enugu State Command, identified by the military as the principal supplier in the suspected network. Troops also arrested Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement, who was identified as a major recipient.
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The operation formed part of intelligence-driven efforts by security agencies to identify and dismantle criminal support networks in the South-East. Military authorities said the investigation helped uncover suspected links in the movement of illegal arms and ammunition.
The arrests also followed continued operations by Joint Task Force South East Operation Udo Ka, which has been carrying out coordinated missions with other security agencies to disrupt criminal activities in the region through intelligence gathering and targeted raids.
Raid leads to weapons recovery
Acting on more intelligence, troops of the 82 Division Garrison and Sector 1 Operation Udo Ka, working with the 82 Division Provost Group, raided a residence at Achara Road, Trans-Ekulu, Golf Estate in Enugu State.
During the operation, troops arrested Friday Nnanna, described as a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN) and a gun runner.
Items recovered from the house included 247 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, 29 live cartridges, four pump-action guns and one Beretta pistol.
Troops also recovered 11 different vehicle registration plates, materials used for making improvised explosive devices, assorted swords, one smoke tear gas canister, military accoutrements, other items and four vehicles.
The military said the suspect and all recovered exhibits are in military custody while investigations continue.
The operation was one of several intelligence-led missions carried out by Operation UDO KA on 1 July.
In Cross River State, troops of the 245 Battalion worked with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) during a raid on Balep Community along the Ikom-Ogoja Road.
The joint team arrested three suspects and 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.
Military authorities said preliminary investigation into that operation is ongoing.
The Nigerian Army said the latest operations show the value of intelligence gathering and cooperation among security agencies in tracking criminal networks and recovering illegal weapons.
The Army said troops will continue intelligence-driven operations with other security agencies to deny criminal groups freedom of action, protect lives and property, and support efforts aimed at improving peace, security and stability in the country.
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