Troops Arrests Suspects, Uncover IPOB/ESN Arms Cache In Enugu

Troops of the 82 Division Garrison operating under Sector 1 of Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), Enugu State Command, have uncovered a major arms cache allegedly linked to the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Enugu State.

The disclosure was contained in a statement released on Wednesday and signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army.

According to the statement, the operation was carried out as part of the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY II aimed at consolidating peace and security in the South-East region.

The Army said the breakthrough followed intelligence obtained from previously arrested suspects allegedly affiliated with IPOB and ESN.

“On 9 June 2026, acting on credible intelligence derived from previously arrested suspects affiliated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), security forces conducted a precision follow-up operation in Gariki, Enugu South Local Government Area,” the statement said.

It noted that troops discovered a secret arms hideout concealed inside a zinc structure disguised as a piggery.

“Troops uncovered a clandestine arms hideout concealed within a zinc structure disguised as a piggery,” the Army stated.

According to the military, a detailed search of the facility led to the recovery of a significant cache of weapons and ammunition.

“A thorough exploitation of the site led to the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition,” the statement added.

Items recovered from the hideout included General Purpose Machine Guns, an RPG-7 launcher tube, AK-47 rifles, hand grenades, a tear gas gun with cartridges, AK-47 magazines, 270 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and 478 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.

The Army further disclosed that all recovered weapons, ammunition and arrested suspects had been handed over to the DSS for further investigation and possible prosecution.

“All recovered items and arrested suspects have been handed over to the DSS Enugu State Command for further investigation and appropriate legal action,” it said.

The military described the operation as a reflection of the growing synergy among security agencies in the region and a demonstration of their commitment to tackling threats to public safety.

“This intelligence-driven operation underscores the effective interagency collaboration in the region, resulting in proactive measures to counter threats to national unity and public safety,” the statement noted.

The Army added that the operation highlighted the determination of Operation UDO KA to sustain pressure on criminal and terrorist groups operating in the South-East.

“It also reflects the Operation UDO KA’s unwavering commitment to sustaining offensive actions against criminal and terrorist networks that undermine peace in the region,” it stated.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and preserving national sovereignty, the military urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful information.

“The public is strongly encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces, thereby enhancing collective efforts to achieve lasting peace and security in the South East,” the statement added.