Troops of the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, have dismantled a suspected illegal arms supply network following the arrest of two officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and an officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service accused of supplying weapons to criminal groups operating in the South East. The arrests were made during intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks and improving security across the region.
According to a statement issued by the Nigerian Army, the operation formed part of ongoing offensives against criminal elements through intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies. Those arrested include Assistant Superintendent II Obaji Sampson of the NSCDC, Superintendent Tasie Victor Nnamdi, the Unit Armourer of the NSCDC Enugu State Command, and Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement.
The Army said investigations identified Nnamdi as the alleged principal supplier of the weapons, while Clement was identified as a major recipient within the suspected illegal arms supply network.
The Army disclosed that intelligence provided by the 82 Military Intelligence Brigade led to the initial arrest of Obaji Sampson by troops of the 82 Division Provost Group and Sector 2 of Operation UDO KA. Further investigations subsequently led security operatives to arrest the other two suspects.
Acting on additional intelligence, troops of the 82 Division Garrison, Sector 1 Operation UDO KA and the 82 Division Provost Group also raided a residence located on Achara Road, Trans-Ekulu Golf Estate in Enugu State. During the operation, security personnel arrested Friday Nnanna, described as a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN) and an alleged gun runner.
The Army said the raid yielded a significant cache of weapons, ammunition and other security-related items. Recovered exhibits included: 247 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, 29 live cartridges, four pump-action guns, one Beretta pistol, eleven vehicle registration plates, improvised explosive device-making materials, assorted swords, one smoke tear gas canister, military accoutrements, four vehicles
The Army confirmed that the suspect and all recovered items remain in military custody as investigations continue.
In a related operation, 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.
Security personnel recovered two Dane guns, one locally fabricated pistol, six cartridges, military web equipment, a woodland camouflage jacket, a strike-face metal plate, an axe and substances suspected to be cannabis. The Army said preliminary investigations into the recovered items are ongoing.
The Nigerian Army stated that the discovery of the suspected illegal arms supply network demonstrates the importance of intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency collaboration in combating organised crime. It reiterated its commitment to sustaining coordinated operations with other security agencies to dismantle criminal support networks, recover illegal weapons and improve public safety across the country.
Military authorities say investigations into the suspected arms trafficking network will continue as security agencies work to identify additional suspects and dismantle other criminal supply chains. The Army also pledged to maintain pressure on criminal elements through sustained intelligence-led operations aimed at protecting lives and property across the South East.
