Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), working alongside troops of the Nigerian Army, have uncovered and raided suspected armouries linked to the outlawed Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Enugu State, recovering a significant cache of weapons and ammunition.
The operations, which were carried out over two days, followed intelligence reports suggesting that members of the group were planning coordinated attacks in parts of the South-East region.
According to security sources, the first raid took place on Tuesday in the Garki area of Enugu State, where operatives discovered an armoury allegedly used to store weapons and logistics for the group.
Items recovered during the operation included a rocket launcher, two rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) warheads, three RPG chargers, three AK-47 rifles, six AK-47 magazines, two handheld grenades, a teargas gun, and two teargas canisters.
Security personnel also seized 270 rounds of NATO 7.62x39mm ammunition, 478 rounds of 7.62x39mm special ammunition, a bandolier, and a baton.
Providing insight into the operation, a security source stated that the raid was based on credible intelligence.
“The operation was intelligence-driven and targeted facilities used by the group for storing weapons and other logistics,” the source said.
The source added that intelligence reports indicated that the group was preparing attacks in some states within the South-East, prompting the security intervention.
The operation came shortly after the arrest of several suspected members of the outlawed group in Enugu State.
In a follow-up operation conducted on Wednesday in the Agbani area of the state, the joint security team reportedly uncovered another suspected armoury.
During the raid, operatives recovered eight AK-47 rifles, a smoke grenade launcher, 12 AK-47 magazines, two teargas canisters, and 323 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Investigators also found 10 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) trousers, eight NYSC T-shirts, and four NYSC lanyards at the location.
Security agencies have launched further investigations to determine the intended use of the recovered NYSC materials and to identify other members of the suspected network.
The latest breakthrough comes barely a week after DSS operatives arrested five suspected arms couriers allegedly linked to gunmen involved in the abduction of students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri Village, Niger State.
The suspects, including two Nigerien nationals, were apprehended during coordinated operations across Kaduna, Niger, and Kebbi states.
Security operatives reportedly recovered 15 AK-103 rifles, 15 magazines, and 1,434 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition from the suspects.
Security sources noted that the recent arrests and recoveries underscore ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle arms trafficking networks and prevent attacks by criminal and terrorist groups across Nigeria.
