The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army made substantial victories against criminal elements in the states of Enugu and Cross River through a series of coordinated operations with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), and other security organisations.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), were hiding out at Imufu in the Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State when the first operation, dubbed Operation UDO KA II, was conducted.
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Two irredentist fighters were neutralised as a result of the conflict, and three semi-automatic pump action rifles as well as a single barrel gun that was made locally were also recovered.
Moreover, the collaborative efforts of Army troops and the DSS led to the arrest of a notorious ESN Commander, identified as Mr. Ezege, at Obinagu in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Ezege had recently issued threats of violence against Enugu state through viral videos and audio messages on social media platforms. He is currently in custody for further investigation.
In a parallel operation, troops of the 130 Battalion within the 13 Brigade Area of Responsibility under the 82 Division, Nigerian Army, worked in tandem with the DSS to dismantle a gunrunner syndicate in Obudu motorcycle park, Cross River State.
Acting on credible intelligence, the operation led to the apprehension of the syndicate leader and his associates, including two Nigerians and two Cameroonians.
Preliminary investigations revealed a network where the accomplices procured firearms, which were then sold to a middleman responsible for supplying arms and ammunition to Ambazonian Separatists in the Republic of Cameroon.
Subsequent actions resulted in the capture of the kingpin, Raphael, also known as Biajua, in Biajua community in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State. The operation yielded four Semi Automatic Pump Action Rifles and four mobile phones.
The Nigerian Army in a statement by its spokesman, Brigadier General Onyema, urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security agencies, bolstering ongoing operations to address security challenges.
