According to news reports, the Joint Task Force South-East, Operation Udoka, have uncovered an alleged illegal arms trafficking network involving two officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and an officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service during a series of intelligence-led operations across the South-East.
The military said the suspects were arrested following investigations into the alleged diversion and supply of weapons to criminal groups operating in the region.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Nigerian Army said the operations formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and disrupt the logistics chain supporting armed groups across the South-East.
According to the statement, those arrested include Assistant Superintendent II Obaji Sampson of the NSCDC, Superintendent Tasie Victor Nnamdi, identified as the armourer attached to the NSCDC Enugu State Command, and Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Military authorities alleged that preliminary investigations uncovered an arms supply network linking the suspects, with the armourer believed to be a key supplier and the correctional officer identified as one of the recipients. Investigations are continuing to determine the full scope of the alleged operation and identify other possible collaborators.
The Army said the arrests were made following actionable intelligence generated by the 82 Military Intelligence Brigade and executed by troops of the 82 Division Provost Group in collaboration with personnel of Operation UDO KA.
Acting on additional intelligence, troops later raided a residence in the Achara Road area of the Trans-Ekulu Golf Estate in Enugu, where they arrested a suspected gun runner identified as Friday Nnanna.
During the operation, security forces recovered a cache of weapons and other items, including 247 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, 29 live cartridges, four pump-action shotguns, a Beretta pistol, military accoutrements, improvised explosive device-making materials, assorted swords, multiple vehicle registration plates, a smoke tear gas canister and four vehicles.
The military said the suspect and all recovered exhibits remain in custody as investigations continue.
In a separate operation in Cross River State, troops of the 245 Battalion, working alongside operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), raided Balep Community along the Ikom-Ogoja Road.
Three suspects were arrested during the raid, while security operatives recovered two Dane guns, a locally fabricated pistol, six cartridges, military webbing, a woodland camouflage jacket, a strike-face metal plate, an axe and substances suspected to be cannabis.
The Nigerian Army said the coordinated operations demonstrate the growing effectiveness of intelligence-driven missions aimed at dismantling criminal organizations and disrupting illegal arms circulation.
It reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with other security agencies to deny armed groups access to weapons, strengthen internal security and protect lives and property across the country.
