Security operatives have uncovered a large cache of arms and ammunition allegedly linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during a joint operation in Enugu State.

The operation was carried out by troops of the 82 Division Garrison under Sector 1 of Operation UDO KA in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), Enugu State Command.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the breakthrough was recorded on June 9 during Operation EASTERN SANITY II.

The military disclosed that the operation was launched following credible intelligence obtained from suspects previously arrested for alleged links to IPOB and ESN activities in the region.

Acting on the intelligence, security personnel conducted a follow-up raid in Gariki, Enugu South Local Government Area, where they discovered a concealed arms depot hidden inside a zinc structure disguised as a piggery.

A subsequent search of the facility, the statement said, led to the recovery of a significant quantity of weapons and ammunition, including General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), an RPG-7 launcher tube, AK-47 rifles, hand grenades, a tear gas gun with cartridges, AK-47 magazines, 270 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and 478 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.

The military said all recovered items, alongside arrested suspects, have been handed over to the DSS in Enugu for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The Army described the operation as a major success in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal and terrorist networks operating in the South-East, noting that the discovery highlights the effectiveness of intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration among security services.

Operation UDO KA reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against groups threatening public safety, peace and national unity, while urging residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.