Troops of the 82 Division Garrison, operating under Sector 1 of Operation UDO KA in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), 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 followed intelligence gathered from previously arrested suspects connected to the group, leading to a coordinated raid in Enugu South Local Government Area.
According to the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, troops carried out a precision follow-up operation on June 9, 2026, in Gariki area of Enugu South LGA.
He said the arms were concealed inside a zinc structure disguised as a piggery, which served as a cover for the illegal storage site.
A thorough search of the location led to the recovery of a large cache of weapons and ammunition.
Recovered Arms and Ammunition
Items recovered include 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.
Security officials described the haul as significant, noting its potential threat to public safety if left undiscovered.
Intelligence-Led Operation
Ayeni explained that the raid was made possible through credible intelligence obtained from suspects already in custody, describing it as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal and terrorist networks in the South-East.
He added that the operation highlights effective interagency cooperation between the military and DSS in countering insecurity in the region.
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The Army spokesperson confirmed that both the recovered weapons and arrested suspects have been handed over to the DSS Enugu State Command for further investigation and prosecution.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation UDO KA to sustained offensive operations aimed at restoring peace and security in the South-East, while urging residents to continue providing timely intelligence to security agencies.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.