ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Troops of the Joint Task Force South-East, Operation Udoka, have dismantled a suspected illegal arms supply network allegedly involving two officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and an officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service accused of supplying weapons to criminal elements operating in the South-East.
Those arrested include Assistant Superintendent II of the NSCDC, Obaji Sampson; Superintendent Tasie Victor Nnamdi, the Unit Armourer of the NSCDC Enugu State Command; and Assistant Superintendent of Corrections, Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement.
The Nigerian Army disclosed the arrests in a statement, describing them as part of sustained intelligence-led offensives against criminal elements across the South-East in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to the Army, the operations resulted in the arrest of several suspects involved in various criminal activities and the recovery of arms, ammunition and other incriminating items aimed at strengthening security in the region.
“The operations led to the arrest of several suspects involved in criminal activities and the recovery of arms, ammunition and other incriminating items, further strengthening efforts to enhance security in the region,” the statement said.
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The Army also disclosed that troops of the 245 Battalion, working alongside operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), raided Balep Community along the Ikom-Ogoja Road in Cross River State.
During the operation, three suspects were arrested, while security operatives recovered two Dane guns, one locally made pistol, six cartridges, military web equipment, a woodland camouflage jacket, a strike-face metal plate, an axe and substances suspected to be cannabis, among other exhibits.
The Army said preliminary investigations into the case are ongoing.
In another operation, intelligence provided by the 82 Military Intelligence Brigade led troops of the 82 Division Provost Group and Sector 2 of Operation Udoka to arrest Assistant Superintendent II Obaji Sampson of the NSCDC.
Further investigations, according to the statement, resulted in the arrest of Superintendent Tasie Victor Nnamdi, identified as the principal supplier of the weapons, and Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement, who was identified as a major recipient.
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The Army said the arrests exposed what investigators believe to be an illegal arms supply network serving criminal elements in the region.
Acting on additional intelligence, troops of the 82 Division Garrison and Sector 1 of Operation Udoka, in conjunction with the 82 Division Provost Group, also raided a residence on Achara Road in the Trans-Ekulu Golf Estate area of Enugu State, where they arrested a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN) and alleged gun runner, Friday Nnanna.
Items recovered during the operation include 247 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, 29 live cartridges, four pump-action guns, one Beretta pistol, 11 different vehicle registration plates, improvised explosive device-making materials, assorted swords, one smoke tear gas canister, military accoutrements, other sundry items and four vehicles.
The Army said the suspect and all recovered exhibits remain in military custody as investigations continue.
Reaffirming its commitment to tackling insecurity, the Nigerian Army said it would sustain intelligence-driven operations against criminal elements and their support networks across the country.
The Army added that troops would continue working closely with other security agencies to deny criminals freedom of operation, protect lives and property, and support ongoing efforts to promote peace, security and stability nationwide.