Troops of Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, have recorded major operational successes 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 in intelligence-led operations.
The Nigerian Army said the operations, carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, underscore its commitment to degrading criminal networks and improving security across the region.
In one of the operations, troops of the 245 Battalion, working alongside operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), raided Balep Community along the Ikom–Ogoja Road in Cross River State. Three suspects were arrested during the operation.
Items recovered from the suspects 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. The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigation.
In another breakthrough, 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).
Subsequent 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 of the illegal weapons, as well as Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement, who was identified as a major recipient. The arrests exposed a suspected illegal arms supply network operating within the region.
Acting on further intelligence, troops of the 82 Division Garrison and Sector 1 Operation UDO KA, in conjunction with the 82 Division Provost Group, also raided a residence at Achara Road, Trans-Ekulu, Golf Estate, Enugu State, where they arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN member and alleged gun runner, Friday Nnanna.
The troops recovered 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 improvised explosive device (IED) fabrication, assorted swords, one smoke tear gas canister, military accoutrements, other incriminating items and four vehicles.
The suspect and all recovered exhibits 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, stressing that troops will continue to collaborate with other security agencies to deny criminals freedom of action, protect lives and property, and enhance peace, security and stability across the country.
