DSS, Army Raid ESN Armouries in Enugu, Recover Rocket Launcher, Rifles
By: Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), in collaboration with troops of the Nigerian Army, have raided suspected armouries belonging to the outlawed Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Enugu State, recovering a large cache of arms and ammunition.
Security sources disclosed on Thursday that the operations were based on credible intelligence indicating that members of the group were planning attacks in parts of the Southeast.
According to the sources, the first operation was conducted on Tuesday around the Garki area of Enugu, where security operatives uncovered an armoury stocked with sophisticated weapons.
Items recovered during the raid included one rocket launcher, two rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) warheads, three RPG chargers, three AK-47 rifles and six AK-47 magazines.
Also recovered were two handheld grenades, one teargas gun, two teargas canisters, 270 rounds of NATO 7.62x39mm ammunition, 478 rounds of 7.62x39mm special ammunition, a bandolier and a baton.
The sources said the operation followed intelligence reports that the group was planning to launch attacks in some Southeast states.
“The operation was intelligence-driven and targeted facilities used by the group for storing weapons and other logistics,” one of the sources said.
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The raid came shortly after the arrest of several suspected members of the outlawed organisation in the state.
In a follow-up operation on Wednesday, the joint team reportedly raided another suspected armoury around the Agbani axis of Enugu State.
The operation led to the recovery of eight AK-47 rifles, one smoke grenade launcher, 12 AK-47 magazines, two teargas canisters and 323 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The sources added that operatives also recovered 10 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) trousers, eight NYSC T-shirts and four NYSC lanyards from the location.
According to the sources, investigations are ongoing to determine the intended use of the recovered items and to identify other members of the network.
The latest operation comes barely a week after DSS operatives arrested five suspected arms couriers linked to gunmen involved in the abduction of students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri Village, Niger State.
The suspects, including two Nigeriens, were apprehended during coordinated operations across Kaduna, Niger and Kebbi states.
Security operatives recovered 15 AK-103 rifles, 15 magazines and 1,434 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition from the suspects.
The sources said the recent operations underscored ongoing efforts by security agencies to disrupt arms trafficking networks and prevent attacks by criminal and terrorist groups across the country.