Troops of the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, have uncovered an alleged illegal arms supply network involving two officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and an officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The military said the suspects allegedly supplied weapons to criminal groups operating in the South-East. Their arrests followed a series of intelligence-led operations carried out with other security agencies.
Army Arrests Three Security Officers
The Nigerian Army identified the suspects as Assistant Superintendent II Obaji Sampson of the NSCDC, Superintendent Tasie Victor Nnamdi, the Unit Armourer of the NSCDC Enugu State Command, and Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement.
According to the Army, the operation formed part of its ongoing crackdown on criminal networks across the South-East.
A statement from the Army said:
“The operations led to the arrest of several suspects involved in criminal activities and the recovery of arms, ammunition and other incriminating items, further strengthening efforts to enhance security in the region.”
Raid Leads to More Arrests and Weapon Recovery
The Army also disclosed that troops from the 245 Battalion worked with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to raid Balep Community along the Ikom–Ogoja Road in Cross River State.
During the operation, security operatives arrested three suspects. They recovered two Dane guns, one locally made pistol, six cartridges, military web equipment, a woodland camouflage jacket, a strike-face metal plate, an axe and substances suspected to be cannabis.
The military added that investigators have started preliminary investigations into the recovered items.
Investigation Exposes Alleged Arms Supply Network
The Army said intelligence from the 82 Military Intelligence Brigade led troops to arrest Obaji Sampson.
Investigators later arrested Tasie Victor Nnamdi, whom they identified as the alleged principal supplier of the weapons.
They also arrested Onyebuchi Clement, whom the military described as a major recipient of the illegal arms.
The statement added:
“Further investigation led to the arrest of Superintendent Tasie Victor Nnamdi, Unit Armourer of the NSCDC Enugu State Command, identified as the principal supplier, and Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement, identified as a major recipient.”
Troops Recover Ammunition, Guns and Vehicles
The Army said more intelligence led troops to a residence on Achara Road in the Trans-Ekulu area of Enugu State.
There, they arrested Friday Nnanna, whom they described as a suspected IPOB/ESN member and gun runner.
Troops recovered:
- 247 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
- 12 rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition
- 29 live cartridges
- Four pump-action guns
- One Beretta pistol
- Eleven vehicle registration plates
- Improvised explosive device (IED) materials
- Assorted swords
- One smoke tear gas canister
- Military accoutrements
- Four vehicles
The Army confirmed that it has taken the suspect and all recovered items into custody for further investigation.
Army Vows to Sustain Operations
The military said it will continue intelligence-driven operations to dismantle criminal networks across the country.
It added:
“Troops will continue to work with other security agencies to deny criminals freedom of action, protect lives and property, and support ongoing efforts to enhance peace, security and stability across the country.”
