Troops of Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA have recorded significant operational successes in ongoing offensives against criminal elements across the South East, recovering arms, ammunition and other incriminating items while dismantling suspected criminal networks through intelligence-led operations.
The Nigerian Army said the achievements resulted from sustained collaboration with other security agencies, leading to the arrest of several suspects involved in various criminal activities and reinforcing efforts to improve security in the region.
In Cross River State, troops of 245 Battalion, working alongside operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), conducted a raid on Balep Community along the Ikom–Ogoja Road. Three suspects were arrested during the operation.
Items recovered include 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 exhibits. Authorities said investigations are ongoing.
In a separate operation, intelligence provided by 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.
Subsequent investigations resulted in the arrest of Superintendent Tasie Victor Nnamdi, the Unit Armourer of the NSCDC Enugu State Command, who was identified as the alleged principal supplier of arms, and Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement, identified as a major recipient. The arrests exposed a suspected illegal arms supply network currently under investigation.
Acting on further intelligence, troops of the 82 Division Garrison and Sector 1 Operation UDO KA, in conjunction with the 82 Division Provost Group, raided a residence on Achara Road in the Trans-Ekulu Golf Estate area of Enugu State.
During the operation, troops arrested Friday Nnanna, described as a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN) and an alleged gun runner.
Recovered from the residence were 247 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, 29 live cartridges, four pump-action guns, one Beretta pistol, 11 different vehicle registration plates, improvised explosive device-making materials, assorted swords, one smoke tear gas canister, military accoutrements, other sundry items and four vehicles.
The suspect and all recovered items are in military custody as investigations continue.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations against criminal elements and their support networks. It stated that troops would continue working closely with other security agencies to deny criminals freedom of action, protect lives and property, and support ongoing efforts to enhance peace, security and stability across the country. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
