June 11 (THEWILL) — Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 82 Division Garrison, operating under Sector 1 of Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have uncovered multiple arms caches linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Enugu State.
The operation, carried out as part of the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY II, led to the recovery of a significant stockpile of weapons, ammunition, and other items believed to be used by the separatist group, according to military authorities.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the military said the breakthrough was achieved through intelligence-driven operations aimed at consolidating ongoing peace-building efforts in the South-East.
Ayeni disclosed that on June 9, troops, acting on credible intelligence obtained from previously arrested IPOB/ESN suspects, conducted a precision operation in Gariki, Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State.
During the operation, security forces uncovered a clandestine arms hideout concealed inside a zinc structure disguised as a piggery. A thorough search of the facility led to the recovery of a cache of weapons and ammunition, including General Purpose Machine Guns, an RPG-7 launcher tube, AK-47 rifles, hand grenades, a tear gas gun with cartridges, AK-47 magazines, 270 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and 478 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The military said the operation was expanded following further intelligence, leading troops and DSS operatives to another suspected safe house in Agbani, Nkanu West Local Government Area of the state.
According to the statement, troops raided the facility and uncovered another clandestine arms hideout containing additional weapons and ammunition.
Items recovered from the Agbani location included AK-47 rifles, AK-47 magazines, 323 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 10 pairs of IPOB uniforms.
The Army said all recovered items, along with arrested suspects, have been handed over to the DSS Enugu State Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The military described the operations as a major setback for criminal and terrorist elements operating in the South-East, noting that the success underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-sharing and inter-agency cooperation among security services.
“This intelligence-driven operation underscores the effective inter-agency collaboration in the region, resulting in proactive measures to counter threats to national unity and public safety,” the statement said.
The Army further noted that the operations reflected Operation UDO KA’s commitment to sustaining offensive actions against criminal networks and armed groups seeking to undermine peace and stability in the region.
The military reassured residents of its determination to protect lives and property while preserving Nigeria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
It also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the South-East.
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