The illegal arms supply network operating in Nigeria’s South East has suffered a major setback after troops of the Joint Task Force South East, operating under Operation Udoka, arrested two officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and an officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service over their alleged involvement in supplying weapons to criminal groups. The arrests formed part of ongoing intelligence-driven security operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring peace across the region.
According to a statement issued by the Nigerian Army, those arrested include Assistant Superintendent II Obaji Sampson of the NSCDC, Superintendent Tasie Victor Nnamdi, identified as the Unit Armourer of the NSCDC Enugu State Command, and Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The Army said investigations indicate that the suspects played different roles within the alleged illegal arms supply network, with preliminary findings identifying Nnamdi as the principal supplier of the weapons, while Clement was allegedly one of the major recipients. The statement explained that the arrests followed sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated operations involving military formations deployed across the South East.
The Army disclosed that the operation began after intelligence provided by the 82 Military Intelligence Brigade led troops of the 82 Division Provost Group and Sector 2 Operation Udoka to arrest Assistant Superintendent Obaji Sampson.
Subsequent investigations reportedly uncovered additional suspects, leading to the arrest of Superintendent Tasie Victor Nnamdi and Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement. According to the military, the development exposed an organised illegal arms supply network allegedly linked to criminal elements operating within the region.
Acting on fresh intelligence obtained during the investigation, troops of the 82 Division Garrison, Sector 1 Operation Udoka and the 82 Division Provost Group conducted a follow-up raid at a residence located along Achara Road, Trans-Ekulu, Golf Estate, Enugu State.
During the operation, security personnel arrested Friday Nnanna, who the Army identified as a suspected member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), and an alleged gun runner. The military said the suspect remains in custody while investigations continue
The Army said troops recovered a significant quantity of weapons, ammunition and other items during the Enugu operation. Recovered exhibits include: 247 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, 29 live cartridges, four pump-action guns, one Beretta pistol, eleven different vehicle registration plates, materials suspected to be used for manufacturing improvised explosive devices (IEDs), assorted swords, one smoke tear gas canister, military accoutrements, four vehicles, other incriminating items
The Army confirmed that all recovered exhibits remain in military custody pending the conclusion of investigations.
In another security operation, troops of the 245 Battalion, working alongside operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), carried out a raid on Balep Community along the Ikom–Ogoja Road in Cross River State. Three suspects were arrested during the operation. Security operatives also recovered: two Dane guns, one locally made pistol, six cartridges, military web equipment, a woodland camouflage jacket, astrike-face metal plate, an axe, substances suspected to be cannabis, other items
The Army said investigations into the Cross River operation are ongoing.
The Nigerian Army said the successful operations demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-led missions and collaboration with other security agencies in tackling insecurity. It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining coordinated operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks, disrupting illegal arms trafficking and denying criminal groups freedom of operation across the country. According to the Army, troops will continue working with relevant security agencies to protect lives and property while strengthening peace, security and stability nationwide.
