By Godwin Akomah, Umuahia
Troops of the 82 Division Garrison operating under Sector 1 of Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), Enugu State Command, have uncovered a suspected arms cache belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Enugu State.
The operation, according to the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, followed credible intelligence obtained from suspects earlier arrested in connection with the groups.
Ayeni disclosed that security operatives recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition during the operation, including General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), 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.
He explained that the operation was carried out on June 9, 2026, in Gariki, Enugu South Local Government Area, where troops uncovered a clandestine arms depot hidden inside a zinc structure disguised as a piggery.
“Acting on credible intelligence derived from previously arrested suspects affiliated with IPOB and ESN, security forces conducted a precision follow-up operation in Gariki, Enugu South Local Government Area. Troops uncovered a clandestine arms hideout concealed within a zinc structure disguised as a piggery,” Ayeni said.
He added that a thorough exploitation of the site led to the recovery of the weapons and ammunition.
According to him, the intelligence-driven operation highlights the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in combating criminal and terrorist activities threatening peace and national unity in the South-East.
Ayeni further noted that the recovered weapons and arrested suspects had been handed over to the DSS Enugu State Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation UDO KA to sustaining offensive operations against criminal elements and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance security efforts in the region.
