The Nigerian Army has announced that troops conducting ongoing security operations in Enugu State have uncovered an alleged arms cache said to be linked to suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during a recent coordinated military raid in parts of the South-East region.
According to military authorities, the operation was carried out following what they described as credible and actionable intelligence indicating the presence of suspected armed groups operating from concealed forest hideouts and remote settlements within Enugu State. The intelligence reportedly pointed to locations being used as operational bases for planning and executing attacks, as well as for storing weapons and other materials allegedly used in criminal activities.
Acting on this information, troops were said to have launched a sustained clearance operation across multiple identified areas, moving through difficult terrain and dense vegetation in what officials described as a carefully coordinated sweep designed to deny armed groups freedom of movement. The military noted that the operation formed part of ongoing efforts under broader counter-insurgency and internal security campaigns currently being intensified across the South-East geopolitical zone.
During the raid, troops reportedly combed through several suspected hideouts before discovering a concealed cache of weapons and related materials. Military sources stated that the recovered items included assorted firearms, ammunition of various calibres, and components suspected to be used in the fabrication and assembly of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The Army further claimed that the cache was strategically hidden within the area, suggesting deliberate attempts by the suspects to avoid detection by security forces over an extended period.
Officials explained that the discovery is part of a wider security strategy aimed at dismantling what they described as criminal networks responsible for attacks, kidnappings, and other violent activities in the region. They added that operations of this nature are intended not only to recover weapons but also to disrupt supply chains, destroy hideouts, and weaken the operational capacity of armed groups allegedly active in the area.
The Army further stated that during the course of the operation, some suspected individuals fled the scene upon sighting advancing troops. The suspects reportedly abandoned the location in haste, leaving behind the alleged weapons cache and other materials. Following the development, the area was immediately secured by troops, who conducted follow-up clearance operations to ensure that no additional arms, explosives, or suspicious items were left behind.
Military authorities emphasized that the South-East remains a key focus area in ongoing national security operations, with troops working in collaboration with other security agencies to restore peace and stability across affected communities.
They noted that similar coordinated operations would continue in the coming weeks and months as part of sustained efforts to curb insecurity, dismantle armed groups, and ensure safe passage for residents and commuters across the region.
The Army reiterated its commitment to professionalism, discipline, and adherence to established rules of engagement, stating that all operations are conducted in line with national and international standards guiding military conduct. It also stressed that the objective of such missions is to protect civilians, safeguard critical infrastructure, and ensure that criminal elements are denied the ability to regroup or carry out further attacks.
Security officials also called on residents of Enugu State and the wider South-East region to remain vigilant and to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence. They noted that community support remains a critical component in ongoing efforts to combat insecurity, particularly in identifying suspicious movements, locating hideouts, and preventing planned attacks.
The military further assured the public that it will sustain pressure on armed groups operating in the region, adding that operations will continue until lasting peace, stability, and normalcy are fully restored across all affected areas. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
