Troops of the 82 Division Garrison, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have uncovered a suspected Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) arms cache in Enugu State during an intelligence-led operation that led to the recovery of a large quantity of weapons and ammunition.
The operation, carried out on June 9, 2026, followed credible intelligence obtained from previously arrested suspects allegedly linked to the proscribed group.
Acting on the information, the security forces conducted a precision follow-up raid in Gariki, Enugu South Local Government Area, where a concealed arms hideout was discovered inside a structure disguised as a piggery.
According to the operatives, a thorough search of the facility led to the recovery of a significant cache of weapons, including General Purpose Machine Guns, an RPG-7 launcher tube, AK-47 rifles, hand grenades, a tear gas gun with cartridges, multiple AK-47 magazines, 270 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and 478 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Olabisi Ayeni, said all recovered weapons and arrested suspects have been handed over to the DSS Enugu State Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
He added that the operation underscores ongoing inter-agency collaboration aimed at disrupting criminal networks and strengthening internal security operations across the South-East region.
The statement partly read that the successful raid reflects the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations under Operation UDO KA and Operation EASTERN SANITY II, which are designed to identify and neutralise threats to public safety.
The military further stated that sustained operations against armed groups remain critical to restoring lasting peace and stability in the region.
It also reaffirmed that Operation UDO KA remains committed to protecting citizens and safeguarding national sovereignty, while urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in the South-East.