Troops of Operation UDO KA, working alongside operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have uncovered a major arms cache linked to suspected IPOB/ESN operatives in Enugu State, recovering machine guns, rifles, grenades and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
The discovery was made during a joint intelligence-led operation conducted under Operation EASTERN SANITY II in Gariki, Enugu South Local Government Area of the state.
According to the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, the operation followed credible intelligence obtained from previously arrested suspects allegedly affiliated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Ayeni said the intelligence prompted a precision follow-up operation by troops of the 82 Division Garrison operating under Sector 1, Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with DSS operatives in Enugu State.
“Acting on credible intelligence derived from previously arrested suspects affiliated with IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, security forces conducted a precision follow-up operation in Gariki, Enugu South Local Government Area on June 9, 2026,” Ayeni said.
During the operation, security operatives uncovered a clandestine arms depot concealed within a zinc structure disguised as a piggery.
“A thorough exploitation of the site led to the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition concealed within the facility,” he stated.
Items recovered from the hideout included General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), AK-47 rifles, an RPG-7 launcher tube, hand grenades, a tear gas launcher with cartridges, several AK-47 magazines, 270 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and 478 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
Ayeni described the operation as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal and terrorist networks operating in the South-East.
“This intelligence-driven operation underscores the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration and highlights the proactive measures being taken to counter threats to national unity and public safety within the region,” he said.
He noted that all recovered arms, ammunition and arrested suspects had been handed over to the DSS Enugu State Command for further investigation and necessary legal action.
According to him, the successful operation further demonstrates the growing operational synergy among security agencies and the determination of Operation UDO KA to sustain pressure on criminal elements seeking to undermine peace and stability in the region.
“The operation reflects Operation UDO KA’s unwavering commitment to sustaining offensive actions against criminal and terrorist networks that threaten peace and security across the South-East,” Ayeni stated.
The Army spokesperson reaffirmed the commitment of the military and other security agencies to protecting lives and property while preserving Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
“Operation UDO KA remains dedicated to protecting law-abiding citizens and preserving national sovereignty. We will continue to pursue all criminal elements and dismantle networks that pose a threat to peace and security,” he added.
Ayeni also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information capable of enhancing ongoing operations.
“We urge residents to remain vigilant and continue providing actionable intelligence to security forces. Public cooperation remains critical to achieving lasting peace and security in the South-East,” he said.
The latest operation forms part of ongoing efforts under Operation EASTERN SANITY II aimed at neutralising criminal networks, disrupting illegal arms proliferation and strengthening security across the region.
