Troops of Joint Task Force South-East Operation UDO KA have recorded major operational successes in sustained intelligence-led offensives against criminal elements 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.
According to an official statement, the operations, carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security, dismantle criminal networks, and enhance peace and stability across the region.
The statement disclosed that in Cross River State, troops of the 245 Battalion, working alongside operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), raided Balep Community along the Ikom–Ogoja Road, leading to the arrest of three suspects.
Items recovered during the operation include 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 exhibits. 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 principal supplier in the suspected arms trafficking network, and Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement, who was identified as a major recipient.
The statement said the arrests uncovered a suspected illegal arms supply network, with investigations continuing to identify other collaborators.
Acting on further 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, Trans-Ekulu, Golf Estate, Enugu State, where a suspected member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), identified as Friday Nnanna, was arrested.
Recovered from the premises were 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, materials suspected to be used for manufacturing improvised explosive devices, assorted swords, one smoke tear gas canister, military accoutrements, other sundry items, 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-driven operations against criminal elements and their support networks across the country.
It assured that troops would continue to collaborate with other security agencies to deny criminal groups freedom of action, protect lives and property, and support ongoing efforts to strengthen peace, security, and stability nationwide.
