Troops of the 82 Division Garrison under Sector 1 of Operation UDO KA, working alongside operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), Enugu State Command, have uncovered a suspected arms cache linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Enugu State.
The operation was carried out following credible intelligence obtained from suspects earlier arrested in connection with the groups.
According to the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, security forces recovered a large 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.
Ayeni disclosed that on June 9, 2026, troops acting on intelligence from arrested IPOB/ESN suspects launched a precision follow-up operation in Gariki, Enugu South Local Government Area. During the operation, they uncovered a concealed arms depot hidden inside a zinc structure disguised as a piggery.
He said the intelligence-driven operation highlights the effectiveness of collaboration between security agencies and demonstrates ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal and terrorist networks threatening peace and security in the South-East.
Ayeni added that all recovered weapons and arrested suspects have been handed over to the DSS Enugu State Command for further investigation and possible prosecution. He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation UDO KA to safeguarding lives, protecting national sovereignty, and sustaining pressure on criminal elements operating in the region.
The military also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and security in the South-East.
