In a coordinated security operation, personnel from Sector 5 of Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with the 63 Brigade and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), intercepted a truck loaded with over 164,000 live cartridges allegedly belonging to the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
According to a security expert, Zagazola Makama, the seizure, which occurred on May 29, 2025, along the Asaba–Onitsha expressway, was the result of actionable intelligence that led to the arrest of a man identified as Emeka Omenife, who was believed to be transporting the ammunition.
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Security sources revealed that Omenife was immediately transferred to the DSS for further investigation. During interrogation, he allegedly admitted to being part of a network responsible for smuggling arms from Ghana into Nigeria to supply IPOB and ESN operatives.
His statement reportedly led to the apprehension of another suspect, Uchenna Obiora, on May 30, 2025, at the Onitsha–Awka tollgate.
Obiora was believed to be waiting to take delivery of the illicit consignment. This breakthrough facilitated the recovery of the truck carrying the hidden ammunition.
Security forces say the operation underscores the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling the illegal arms trade and dismantling networks threatening national security.
, intercepted a truck loaded with over 164,000 live cartridges allegedly belonging to the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).){kind=link}