The Nigerian Army has announced that its troops uncovered a secret arms hideout belonging to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in the Garri area of Enugu State, located in Nigeria's South-east region.
Discovery During Raid
Olabisi Ayeni, the spokesperson for the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, revealed this in a statement on Wednesday. Lieutenant Colonel Ayeni said the hideout was discovered during a joint operation with personnel from the State Security Service (SSS) on Tuesday.
According to the army, the arms cache was concealed within a zinc structure that was disguised as a piggery. A thorough search of the site led to the recovery of a large quantity of weapons and ammunition.
Recovered Items
Among the items seized were General Purpose Machine Guns, an RPG-7 launcher tube, AK-47 rifles, hand grenades, a tear gas gun with cartridges, and AK-47 magazines. Additionally, 270 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and 478 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were recovered.
The army spokesperson confirmed that an unspecified number of suspected IPOB members were arrested during the operation. All recovered items and suspects have been handed over to the SSS Enugu State Command for further investigation and legal proceedings.
Part of Ongoing Operations
Ayeni stated that the raid was part of Operation Eastern Sanity II, which is being led by the Nigerian Army's Operation Udo Ka. The operation aims to consolidate peace-building efforts in the South-east region. He explained that the raid was a follow-up based on intelligence from previously arrested IPOB/ESN fighters.
This intelligence-driven operation highlights effective interagency collaboration in the region, resulting in proactive measures to counter threats to national unity and public safety. It also reflects Operation Udo Ka's unwavering commitment to sustaining offensive actions against criminal and terrorist networks undermining peace in the area.
Second Arms Discovery
In a separate update on Thursday, Ayeni said troops raided a safe house in Agbani, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, uncovering another secret arms hideout. A thorough search of the apartment led to the recovery of AK-47 rifles, AK-47 magazines, 323 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and ten pairs of IPOB uniforms. More suspects were also arrested.
Ayeni reiterated that all recovered items and suspects from the previous operation were handed over to the SSS for investigation and prosecution.
Appeal for Public Cooperation
The army spokesperson urged Nigerians to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces in the South-east to aid the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities. This will enhance collective efforts to achieve lasting peace and security in the region.
IPOB, a separatist group seeking to carve out the South-east and parts of the south-south from Nigeria, has been linked to deadly attacks in these regions. However, the group has repeatedly denied any involvement in such attacks.
