Security forces uncover IPOB/ESN arms cache hidden in Enugu piggery
By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
Security forces have uncovered a major arms cache allegedly belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during a joint operation in Enugu State.
The operation, carried out by troops of the 82 Division Garrison under Sector 1 of Operation UDO KA in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), led to the recovery of a large quantity of weapons and ammunition concealed in a structure disguised as a piggery.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the operation was conducted on June 9 following credible intelligence obtained from previously arrested suspects linked to IPOB and ESN.
Ayeni disclosed that security operatives traced the arms hideout to Gariki in Enugu South Local Government Area, where they carried out a precision follow-up operation under the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY II.
He said a thorough search of the facility uncovered an assortment of weapons and ammunition, including General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), an RPG-7 launcher tube, AK-47 rifles, hand grenades, a tear gas gun with cartridges, AK-47 magazines, 270 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and 478 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
“The troops uncovered a clandestine arms hideout concealed within a zinc structure disguised as a piggery. Exploitation of the site resulted in the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition,” the statement said.
The army spokesperson added that all recovered items, alongside arrested suspects, had been handed over to the DSS Enugu State Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
He noted that the successful operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led security operations and inter-agency collaboration in tackling threats to public safety and national security in the South-East region.
Ayeni stated that Operation UDO KA remains committed to sustaining offensive actions against criminal and terrorist elements seeking to destabilise the region.
He also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance ongoing efforts aimed at restoring and sustaining peace across the South-East.