Security forces have stopped a truck carrying more than 164,000 live cartridges that were reportedly destined for the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its military faction, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
It was understood that the operation was executed by troops from Sector 5 of Operation UDO KA, along with operatives from the 63 Brigade and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported that the operation was based on credible intelligence and resulted in the arrest of a suspected arms courier, Mr. Emeka Omenife, on the Asaba–Onitsha expressway on May 29, 2025.
After his arrest, Omenife was promptly transferred to the DSS for questioning. It has been reported that he admitted during interrogation to being involved in a syndicate that transports ammunition from Ghana to Nigeria for IPOB/ESN operatives.
His confession led to the arrest of his accomplice, Mr. Uchenna Obiora, by troops at the Onitsha–Awka tollgate on 30 May 2025, as he was waiting for the delivery of the ammunition.
The apprehension resulted in the interception of a truck containing the concealed ammunition.
“After being intercepted, the vehicle was transported to Onitsha Cantonment, where a detailed search uncovered 164,650 live cartridges concealed in four specially built compartments in the truck’s cargo bed,” a source informed Zagazola.
The source further indicated that the cartridges are thought to have been bought in Ghana and were being transported to Onitsha for delivery when they were intercepted.
Read Also: Presidency Dismisses Afenifere’s Claims on Economy, Democracy as ‘Jaundiced’
Further inquiries are in progress to identify additional members of the syndicate and their associates.
Security sources further noted that Omenife was previously detained by troops and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) tracking team on January 22 at his home in Onitsha Housing Estate.
In the operation in January, he tried to escape and was shot in the backside before being taken to the 302 Army Regiment Medical Services for treatment. Later, he was transferred to the Anambra State Police Criminal Investigation Department at Annex Akwuzu for prosecution.
His re-arrest in May indicates that he may have gone back to the same criminal enterprise after his release under unexplained circumstances.
