By Nkechi Eze
Troops of Sector 5, Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with operatives of 63 Brigade and the Department of State Services (DSS), have recorded a significant breakthrough in the ongoing campaign against separatist terrorism and arms trafficking in the South East. Two suspected logistics suppliers linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), have been arrested, and a truck conveying 164,650 live cartridges was intercepted during the coordinated security operation.
A official statement made available to Newspeg by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye disclosed that the arrests and seizure were the result of actionable intelligence and meticulous surveillance.
“At about 11:10 p.m. on Sunday, 25 May 2025, troops apprehended one Mr. Emeka Omenife along the Asaba–Onitsha Expressway,” the statement read. “Although no arms were recovered on him at the point of arrest, his subsequent confession provided critical intelligence that led to further arrests and the discovery of a large cache of ammunition.”
According to General Kangye, Mr. Omenife’s disclosures led to the arrest of another suspect, Mr. Uchenna Obiora, at approximately 3:45 p.m. on 30 May 2025 at the Onitsha–Awka Toll Gate. Mr. Obiora was allegedly waiting to receive a consignment of smuggled ammunition.
A key component of the operation was the interception of a logistics truck with Lagos registration number EKY 642 YC. Upon thorough inspection, troops discovered four cleverly engineered compartments concealed within the truck’s cargo floor. These hidden compartments housed a total of 164,650 live cartridges. The vehicle was promptly moved to Onitsha Military Cantonment for a full search and secure containment of the illicit materials.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the ammunition was smuggled from Ghana, with Onitsha identified as the intended destination.
Major General Kangye revealed that Mr. Emeka Omenife is a repeat offender, having previously been arrested on 22 January 2024 during a joint operation by Sector 5 and the Office of the National Security Adviser’s (ONSA) Tracking Team. At the time, he was found at his residence in the Onitsha Housing Estate and sustained a gunshot wound while attempting to evade arrest. He was treated at the 302 Artillery Regiment Medical Reception Station before being handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Annex in Akwuzu, Anambra State.
“His re-arrest marks a troubling resurgence of activities by known logistics operatives supporting IPOB/ESN,” Kangye noted. “It underscores the necessity of sustained vigilance and joint security operations to dismantle the supply chains that empower these proscribed groups.”
The Defence Headquarters affirmed that investigations are ongoing to trace and apprehend other individuals linked to the smuggling ring. Intelligence suggests a broader network of operatives involved in sourcing, transporting, and distributing illegal arms and ammunition across state lines.
“Our security forces remain fully committed to tracking down all collaborators, financiers, and enablers of terrorist groups,” Kangye said. “This interception is a warning to all those involved in the illegal arms trade. The Armed Forces of Nigeria will not relent until these criminal enterprises are neutralised.”
The military further appealed for increased cooperation from the public. “We urge Nigerians to continue providing credible information to assist ongoing operations. Collective effort remains our strongest weapon in the fight against insecurity,” he added.
Security analysts describe the seizure as one of the largest single recoveries of live cartridges in recent counterterrorism operations and a major disruption to the arms logistics network supporting IPOB/ESN’s activities in the region.
