Troops of the Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, have arrested two officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and an officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service over their alleged involvement in an illegal arms supply network linked to criminal elements in the South-East.

The suspects were identified as Assistant Superintendent II Obaji Sampson of the NSCDC, Superintendent Tasie Victor Nnamdi, the Unit Armourer of the NSCDC Enugu State Command, and Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement.

In a statement, the Nigerian Army said the arrests followed intelligence-led operations conducted in collaboration with other security agencies as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks across the region.

"The operations led to the arrest of several suspects involved in criminal activities and the recovery of arms, ammunition and other incriminating items, further strengthening efforts to enhance security in the region," the Army stated.

According to the Army, investigations revealed that Nnamdi was the alleged principal supplier of the arms, while Clement was identified as a major recipient, exposing what it described as a suspected illegal arms supply network.

"Further investigation led to the arrest of Superintendent Tasie Victor Nnamdi, Unit Armourer of the NSCDC Enugu State Command, identified as the principal supplier, and Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement, identified as a major recipient.

"The arrests exposed a suspected illegal arms supply network," the statement added.

The Army also disclosed that troops, acting on further intelligence, raided a residence at Achara Road, Trans-Ekulu Golf Estate in Enugu State, where they arrested a suspected member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), identified as Friday Nnanna.

Items recovered during the operation included 247 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, 29 live cartridges, four pump-action guns, one Beretta pistol, improvised explosive device-making materials, military accoutrements, assorted weapons and four vehicles.

In a separate operation in Cross River State, troops of the 245 Battalion, in conjunction with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), arrested three suspects during a raid on Balep Community along the Ikom–Ogoja Road.

The operation led to the recovery of two Dane guns, one locally made pistol, six cartridges, military web equipment, a woodland camouflage jacket, a strike-face metal plate, an axe and substances suspected to be cannabis.

Reaffirming its resolve, the Army said, "The Nigerian Army remains committed to sustaining intelligence-driven operations against criminal elements and their support networks.

"Troops will continue to work with other security agencies to deny criminals freedom of action, protect lives and property, and support ongoing efforts to enhance peace, security and stability across the country."

The suspects and recovered exhibits remain in military custody while investigations continue.