Operation UDO KA Busts Suspected Arms Syndicate, Recovers Cache of Weapons in Major South-East Security Breakthrough
The Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, has recorded major operational successes in its sustained campaign against criminal elements across the South-East, dismantling a suspected illegal arms supply network, arresting key suspects, and recovering a large cache of weapons, ammunition and other incriminating items in intelligence-led operations.
The Nigerian Army disclosed that the operations, carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, underscore the growing effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in degrading criminal networks and enhancing security across the region.
In one of the operations, troops of 245 Battalion, working alongside operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), raided Balep Community along the Ikom–Ogoja Road in Cross River State. Three suspects were arrested during the raid, while security forces recovered two Dane guns, a locally fabricated pistol, six cartridges, military web equipment, a woodland camouflage jacket, a strike-face metal plate, an axe and substances suspected to be cannabis. Preliminary investigations are ongoing.
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In another significant breakthrough, intelligence provided by the 82 Military Intelligence Brigade enabled troops of the 82 Division Provost Group and Sector 2 Operation UDO KA to arrest Assistant Superintendent II Obaji Sampson of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Further investigations led to the arrest of Superintendent Tasie Victor Nnamdi, the Unit Armourer of the NSCDC Enugu State Command, identified as the principal supplier of the weapons, as well as Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement, who was identified as a major recipient. The arrests uncovered what security authorities described as a suspected illegal arms supply network.
Building on fresh intelligence, troops of the 82 Division Garrison and Sector 1 Operation UDO KA, in conjunction with the 82 Division Provost Group, raided a residence at Achara Road, Trans-Ekulu, Golf Estate, Enugu State, leading to the arrest of a suspected member of the proscribed IPOB/ESN and alleged gun runner, Friday Nnanna.
The operation resulted in the recovery of 247 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, 29 live cartridges, four pump-action guns, a Beretta pistol, 11 different vehicle registration plates, improvised explosive device (IED)-making materials, assorted swords, a smoke tear gas canister, military accoutrements, other incriminating items and four vehicles.
The suspect and all recovered exhibits are currently in military custody as investigations continue.
The latest operations represent another significant milestone in the ongoing efforts by Operation UDO KA to dismantle criminal infrastructure, disrupt illicit arms trafficking and deny violent groups the capability to threaten public safety across the South-East.
Reaffirming its commitment, the Nigerian Army said it would sustain intelligence-driven operations in close collaboration with other security agencies to neutralise criminal networks, protect lives and property, and consolidate peace, security and stability across the country.