Photo: Troops Intercept over 164,000 live cartridges allegedly bound for IPOB/ESN

June 03, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

In a joint operation, troops of Sector 5, Operation UDO KA, along with operatives of the 63 Brigade and the Department of State Services (DSS), have successfully intercepted a truck carrying over 164,000 live cartridges allegedly bound for the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

The operation, which took place on May 29, 2025, along the Asaba–Onitsha expressway, was carried out following credible intelligence.

During the operation, a suspected arms courier, identified as Mr. Emeka Omenife, was arrested and subsequently handed over to the DSS for interrogation.

Under questioning, Omenife reportedly admitted to being part of a smuggling syndicate that transports ammunition from Ghana to Nigeria for use by IPOB/ESN operatives.

Acting on this information, troops apprehended his alleged accomplice, Uchenna Obiora, at the Onitsha–Awka tollgate on May 30, 2025, while he was awaiting delivery of the consignment.

The successful interception of the truck and the arrest of the suspects have dealt a significant blow to the IPOB/ESN’s efforts to procure arms and ammunition.

The operation highlights the commitment of the security agencies to preventing the proliferation of illicit arms and ammunition in the region.

Source: X || ZagazOlaMakama