Military troops of Sector 5, Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with the personnel from 63 Brigade and the Department of State Services (DSS), intercepted a laden truck conveying 164,650 live cartridges of ammunition and apprehended two alleged logistics suppliers linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in the South East.
Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed in a statement that the operation took place at approximately 11:10 pm on Sunday, May 25, 2025, when the troops acting on credible intelligence detained one Mr. Emeka Omenife along the Asaba–Onitsha Expressway.
He said Mr. Omenife was devoid of the suspected munitions at the moment of apprehension, and subsequent interrogation yielded pivotal insights into the illegal logistics supply network. Mr. Omenife was accordingly remanded in DSS custody for further investigation.
General Kangye revealed that Mr. Omenife’s confessions during the investigation led to the arrest of his accomplice, one Mr. Uchenna Obiora, at the Onitsha–Awka Toll Gate at about 3:45 pm on May 30, 2025. Also, Mr. Obiora was taken into custody while awaiting the delivery of the concealed ammunition.
According to General Kangye, “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 ammunition.
“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.
“Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend additional collaborators implicated in these illicit arms smuggling networks. This is not the first instance of Mr. Omenife’s arrest in connection with IPOB/ESN logistics supply.”
General Kangye stated that in a previous joint operation involving Sector 5 and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Tracking Team, Mr. Omenife was apprehended on January 22, 2024, at his residence in Onitsha Housing Estate.
He revealed that during that operation, he attempted to evade capture and sustained a gunshot wound to the buttocks. He subsequently received medical treatment at the 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support) Medical Reception Station. He 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.”
The Defence Headquarters reaffirms security agencies’ commitment to dismantling these illegal networks and prosecuting all individuals involved. It solicits continued sharing of credible information from the public to enhance military operations.
About The Author
