Troops of Operation UDO KA Sector 5, in a coordinated operation with the 63 Brigade and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have intercepted a massive cache of ammunition allegedly destined for the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The joint operation, conducted on May 29, 2025, along the Asaba–Onitsha expressway, led to the seizure of over 164,000 live cartridges hidden inside a truck. Acting swiftly on actionable intelligence, security personnel also arrested a key suspect, identified as Mr. Emeka Omenife, believed to be a major courier in the arms smuggling network.
The dramatic bust happened along the Asaba–Onitsha expressway on 29 May 2025, following credible intelligence reports. Security operatives swiftly moved in and apprehended the suspected gunrunner, Mr. Emeka Omenife, who was allegedly transporting the deadly cargo.
According to intelligence sources, Omenife was immediately handed over to the DSS for interrogation. During questioning, he reportedly confessed to being part of an international ammunition trafficking syndicate that moves weapons from Ghana to Nigeria.
Acting on the confession, troops launched a follow-up operation and arrested another suspect, Mr. Uchenna Obiora, at the Onitsha–Awka tollgate on 30 May 2025, as he awaited the delivery of the deadly consignment.
The operation successfully led to the interception of the truck carrying the massive cache of ammunition, which had been carefully concealed to avoid detection.
Authorities have vowed to continue cracking down on arms trafficking networks threatening the nation’s peace and security.
The Cable
