Troops Bust Arms Network, Arrest NSCDC and Correctional Service Officers in South-East Raid

(NSCDC officer. Photo by Vanguard News)

Troops of Joint Task Force South East, Operation Udoka, have busted an illegal arms supply network involving two NSCDC officers and one officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, allegedly linked to the sale of arms to criminal elements in the South East.

In connection with this, troops arrested Assistant Superintendent II Obaji Sampson of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Superintendent Tasie Victor Nnamdi, Unit Armourer of the NSCDC Enugu State Command, and Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement.

A statement by the Nigerian Army said the arrests form part of continued operations against criminal elements across the South East, which have recorded successes through intelligence-led operations and collaboration with other security agencies.

It 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.

According to the statement, troops of 245 Battalion, working in conjunction with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), conducted a raid at Balep Community along the Ikom–Ogoja Road in Cross River State.

During the operation, three suspects were arrested, while troops 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, among other items, with preliminary investigation ongoing.

In a separate operation, intelligence from the 82 Military Intelligence Brigade led to the arrest of Assistant Superintendent II Obaji Sampson of the NSCDC by troops of the 82 Division Provost Group and Sector 2 Operation Udoka.

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.

The arrests exposed a suspected illegal arms supply network.

Following additional intelligence, troops of 82 Division Garrison and Sector 1 Operation Udo Ka, in conjunction with the 82 Division Provost Group, raided a residence at Achara Road, Trans-Ekulu, Golf Estate, Enugu State, where a suspected IPOB/ESN member and gun runner, Friday Nnanna, was arrested.

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, 11 different vehicle registration plates, improvised explosive device-making materials, assorted swords, one smoke tear gas canister, military accoutrements, other sundry items and four vehicles.

The suspect and recovered items are in military custody for further investigation.

The statement said the Nigerian Army remains committed to sustaining intelligence-driven operations against criminal elements and their support networks, adding that 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.