By ZAKAA LAZARUS.
Troops of Operation UDO KA has apprehended two alleged logistics suppliers linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The Defence Headquarters has named the suspect to include one Mr. Emeka Omenife and Mr. Uchenna Obiora who while arrested in two separate operations.
In a statement signed by the Director, Defence Media Operations DDMO, Major General Markus Kangye noted that the operations were carried by the 63 Brigade and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The statement read thus, ” In a momentous development, troops of Sector 5, Operation UDO KA, in concert with personnel from 63 Brigade and the Department of State Services (DSS), apprehended two alleged logistics suppliers linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“The operation also culminated in the interception of a vehicle transporting a substantial cache of ammunition.
“At approximately 11:10 pm on Sunday, 25 May 2025, troops acting on credible intelligence detained one Mr. Emeka Omenife along the Asaba–Onitsha Expressway. Although he was devoid of the suspected amunitions at the moment of apprehension, subsequent interrogation yielded pivotal insights into the illegal logistics supply network. Mr. Omenife was accordingly remanded in DSS custody for further investigation. Following his confession during investigation, troops of Sector 5 apprehended an accomplice, one Mr. Uchenna Obiora at the Onitsha–Awka Toll Gate at about 3:45pm 30 May 2025. Mr. Obiora was taken into custody while awaiting the delivery of the concealed ammunition.
“A critical aspect of the operation was the interception of a logistics truck bearing Lagos registration number EKY 642 YC, employed in the transportation of the ammunitions.
” Upon meticulous inspection, troops uncovered four ingeniously constructed compartments within the truck’s cargo floor, where the ammunition had been clandestinely concealed.
“The vehicle was subsequently transported to Onitsha Cantonment for a comprehensive search, resulting in the recovery of 164,650 live cartridges. Preliminary investigations indicated that the ammunition had been smuggled from Ghana, with Onitsha designated as the intended destination” . The statement added.
Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend additional collaborators implicated in this illicit arms smuggling network. This is not the first instance of Mr. Omenife’s arrest in connection with IPOB/ESN logistics supply. In a previous joint operation involving Sector 5 and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Tracking Team, he was apprehended on 22 January 2024 at his residence in Onitsha Housing Estate. During that operation, he attempted to evade capture and sustained a gunshot wound on the buttocks. He subsequently received medical treatment at 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support) Medical Reception Station and was later handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Akwuzu, Anambra State, for further proceedings.
Mr. Omenife’s re-arrest signifies a resurgence in criminal activity following his release, underscoring the imperative for sustained and coordinated countermeasures against logistics networks that bolster proscribed organizations. Security agencies remain resolutely committed to dismantling these networks and prosecuting all individuals involved.
The AFN solicit continued sharing of credible information with our troops in order to enhance our operations.
