The Department of State Services (DSS), in collaboration with troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, has foiled planned attacks by members of the outlawed Eastern Security Network (ESN) targeting security checkpoints across the South-East, as well as alleged plans to kidnap women, students, and children.
A security source said the operation followed intelligence gathered by the DSS, which led to the arrest of two ESN field commanders in Garki, Enugu State.
According to the source, information obtained from the arrested commanders prompted the DSS to engage troops of the 82 Division in a coordinated covert operation.
The operation subsequently led to raids conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday on an ESN armoury located in the Agbani axis of Enugu State.
During the raids, security operatives reportedly recovered a cache of weapons, including a rocket launcher, two RPG warheads, three RPG chargers, and 11 AK-47 rifles.
Other items recovered include 18 AK-47 magazines, 1,071 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two hand grenades, one tear gas gun, a baton, and two tear gas canisters.
Also recovered were one smoke grenade launcher, additional tear gas canisters, as well as 10 NYSC trousers, eight NYSC T-shirts, and four NYSC lanyards.
Security sources said intelligence indicated that the group intended to use NYSC uniforms as a disguise during the planned attacks.
Further intelligence from the arrested commanders reportedly revealed that the group had planned coordinated attacks across South-East states aimed at kidnapping civilians, spreading fear, and creating the impression of widespread insecurity in the region.