Troops from Operation UDO KA Sector 5, working alongside the 63 Brigade and the Department of State Services (DSS), intercepted a large shipment of ammunition allegedly intended for the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The joint operation took place on May 29, 2025, along the Asaba–Onitsha expressway, resulting in the seizure of more than 164,000 live cartridges hidden inside a truck. Acting on reliable intelligence, security forces also arrested a key suspect, Mr. Emeka Omenife, believed to be a significant courier in the arms smuggling ring.
Following credible intelligence, the arrest of Omenife happened swiftly during the bust on the expressway. He was reportedly transporting the illicit cargo when apprehended.
Intelligence sources revealed that Omenife was immediately handed over to the DSS for questioning. During interrogation, he admitted involvement in an international ammunition trafficking syndicate moving weapons from Ghana into Nigeria.
Based on this confession, troops conducted a follow-up operation, arresting another suspect, Mr. Uchenna Obiora, at the Onitsha–Awka tollgate on May 30, 2025, as he awaited the consignment’s delivery.
The operation successfully intercepted the truck carrying the extensive ammunition cache, which had been well concealed to evade detection.
Authorities have pledged to continue efforts to dismantle arms trafficking networks that threaten national peace and security.
