Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Troops of the Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, have recorded significant operational successes across the region, arresting several suspects and recovering a large cache of weapons, ammunition, and other incriminating materials in intelligence-led operations conducted in collaboration with other security agencies. In Enugu State, troops uncovered a suspected illegal arms supply network involving personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service. According to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Headquarters 82 Division, Lt. Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, the breakthrough followed coordinated operations that led to multiple arrests and the recovery of arms and ammunition linked to criminal activities in the region.
The operation began after intelligence from the 82 Military Intelligence Brigade led troops of the 82 Division Provost Group and Sector 2, Operation UDO KA, to arrest Assistant Superintendent II of the NSCDC, Obaji Sampson. Further investigations exposed a wider network, resulting in the arrest of Superintendent Tasie Victor Nnamdi, the Unit Armourer of the NSCDC Enugu State Command, whom investigators identified as the alleged principal supplier of the weapons. The Army also arrested Assistant Superintendent of Corrections, Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement, who was identified as a major recipient in the suspected arms supply chain. The arrests, according to the military, exposed a suspected illegal arms supply network, with investigations continuing.
Security sources revealed that the arrests followed the interrogation of a suspected criminal apprehended at Igah Community on June 28, who allegedly identified his principal arms supplier as Superintendent Tasie Victor Nnamdi. Acting on the intelligence, troops conducted a targeted operation on June 29 and arrested the suspect at the New Market Filling Station in Enugu. During preliminary interrogation, the NSCDC officer allegedly identified Chief Superintendent Augustine Mmuo of the NSCDC Delta State Command as his principal supplier of arms. He also allegedly named Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement, attached to the Arms Department of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Enugu State Command, as one of his major customers. Based on the information, troops conducted a follow-up sting operation at about 11:00 a.m. on June 30 and arrested the correctional officer at Okpara Square in Enugu. Security sources said a search of his vehicle led to the recovery of 30 rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition. During interrogation, the correctional officer allegedly identified a civilian whom he claimed had supplied him with firearms on several occasions. Photographs of various firearms allegedly offered for sale were also recovered from the suspect's mobile phone.
In another operation, troops acting on fresh intelligence stormed a residence on Achara Road in the Trans-Ekulu area of Enugu State, where they arrested a suspected member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), identified as Friday Nnanna. During the raid, troops recovered 247 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, 29 live cartridges, four pump-action guns, and a Beretta pistol. Also recovered were 11 different vehicle registration plates, materials suspected to be used for manufacturing improvised explosive devices (IEDs), assorted swords, a smoke tear gas canister, military accoutrements, other items, and four vehicles. The Army said the suspect and all recovered exhibits remain in military custody while investigations continue.
Meanwhile, 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. Three suspects were arrested during the operation, while security operatives recovered two Dane guns, a locally fabricated pistol, six cartridges, military webbing, a woodland camouflage jacket, a strike-face metal plate, an axe, and substances suspected to be cannabis. The Nigerian Army said preliminary investigations into the Cross River operation are ongoing.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations against criminal elements and their support networks, noting that troops would continue to work with sister security agencies to deny criminals freedom of movement, safeguard lives and property, and support ongoing efforts to strengthen peace, security, and stability across the country. The military said troops of Operation UDO KA would continue to sustain intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with other security agencies to dismantle criminal networks, deny criminals freedom of operation, and improve security across the South-East and the country at large.
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