Troops of Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA have recorded significant successes in ongoing operations against criminal elements across the South-East and South-South region, recovering arms and ammunition while disrupting suspected criminal networks.
The operations, carried out through intelligence-driven missions and collaboration with other security agencies, led to the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of weapons, military equipment and other incriminating items.
This was contained in a statement shared on the Nigerian Army’s Facebook page on Wednesday night.
In Cross River State, troops of 245 Battalion, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), conducted a raid on Balep Community along the Ikom–Ogoja Road.
During the operation, three suspects were arrested, while troops recovered 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 items.
The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigation.
In a related development, intelligence from the 82 Military Intelligence Brigade led to the arrest of Assistant Superintendent II Obaji Sampson of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) by troops of the 82 Division Provost Group and Sector 2 Operation UDO KA.
Further investigations uncovered an alleged illegal arms supply network, leading to the arrest of Superintendent Tasie Victor Nnamdi, Unit Armourer of the NSCDC Enugu State Command, identified as the suspected principal supplier, and Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement, alleged to be a major recipient.
The arrests exposed a suspected network involved in the unlawful distribution of arms and ammunition.
Following additional intelligence, troops of 82 Division Garrison and Sector 1 Operation UDO KA, alongside the 82 Division Provost Group, raided a residence at Achara Road, Trans-Ekulu, Golf Estate, Enugu State.
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The operation led to the arrest of Friday Nnanna, identified by the military as a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) and alleged gun runner.
Items recovered from the location include 247 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, 29 live cartridges, four pump-action guns, one Beretta pistol, 11 vehicle registration plates, improvised explosive device-making materials, assorted swords, a smoke tear gas canister, military accoutrements and other items.
Four vehicles were also recovered during the operation.
The suspect and recovered exhibits have been taken into military custody for further investigation.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations against criminal elements and their support networks, noting that troops would continue to work with sister security agencies to deny criminals freedom of action and protect lives and property.
The Army assured residents that operations would be sustained to promote peace, security and stability across the country.
