Esther Oseyiomon
A routine intelligence follow-up operation has uncovered a hidden weapons cache concealed in an unlikely location in Enugu State, as security forces intensify efforts to disrupt criminal networks and strengthen peace initiatives in the South-East.
The discovery was made on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, when troops of the 82 Division Garrison under Sector 1, Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), Enugu State Command, carried out a coordinated operation in Gariki, Enugu South Local Government Area.
The operation, conducted under Operation EASTERN SANITY II, followed credible intelligence gathered from previously arrested suspects linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
During the operation, troops uncovered a clandestine storage facility concealed inside a zinc structure reportedly disguised as a piggery. A thorough search of the location revealed a cache of arms and ammunition believed to be connected to criminal activities in the region.
Items recovered from the hideout included General Purpose Machine Guns, an RPG-7 launcher tube, AK-47 rifles, hand grenades, tear gas guns with cartridges, AK-47 magazines, 270 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and 478 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Security authorities said the recovered weapons and arrested suspects have been handed over to the DSS Enugu State Command for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
The operation, according to the military, reflects the growing impact of intelligence-led collaboration between security agencies in identifying and dismantling networks that threaten public safety and national security.
Operation UDO KA reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive actions against criminal and terrorist elements undermining peace in the South-East, while urging residents to continue providing credible information to security forces.
The security forces assured members of the public that they would continue to protect lives and property and work towards achieving lasting peace and stability across the region.