In Enugu State, agents of the Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigerian Army soldiers stormed suspected armories connected to the banned Eastern Security Network (ESN), discovering a sizable cache of weapons and ammunition.
According to Zagagola Makama, security sources stated that the operations were conducted in response to reliable information suggesting that the group’s members were preparing assaults in several South-East regions.
Security personnel discovered an armory full of advanced weaponry during the first operation, which took place on Tuesday in the Garki neighborhood of Enugu State.
A rocket launcher, two rocket-propelled grenade warheads, three RPG chargers, three AK-47 rifles, and six AK-47 magazines were among the objects found during the operation.
Two portable grenades, a tear gas pistol, two tear gas canisters, 270 rounds of NATO 7.62x39mm ammunition, and 478 rounds of 7.62x39mm special ammunition were also found by the agents.
A baton and a bandolier were among the other objects found.
According to a security source, the operation was motivated by information indicating that the group was preparing assaults in a few of the region’s states.
According to the source, “the operation was intelligence-driven and targeted facilities used by the group for storing weapons and other logistics.”
The raid occurred soon after multiple suspected members of the state’s banned group were taken into custody.
The joint security team allegedly searched another suspected armory in the Agbani region of Enugu State on Wednesday as part of a follow-up operation.
Eight AK-47 rifles, a smoke grenade launcher, twelve AK-47 magazines, two tear gas canisters, and 323 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were recovered as a result of the operation.
According to security sources, officers also found four NYSC lanyards, eight NYSC T-shirts, and ten National Youth Service Corps pants.
The purpose of the seized items and the identities of other network users are being investigated.
Just one week has passed since DSS agents detained five alleged arms couriers connected to gunmen who kidnapped kids and staff at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri Village, Niger State.
Coordinated efforts throughout the states of Kaduna, Niger, and Kebbi resulted in the capture of the suspects, including two Nigerien nationals.
15 AK-103 rifles, 15 magazines, and 1,434 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition were found by security personnel among the suspects.
Security sources claim that the recent operations demonstrate security services’ continuous attempts to destroy networks involved in the trafficking of weapons and stop terrorist and criminal organizations from attacking the nation.
