Two officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and a prison official have been arrested over their alleged involvement in supplying arms and ammunition to militants operating in Nigeria’s South-East region.
The suspects are Assistant Superintendent II Obaji Sampson, Superintendent Tasie Victor Nnamdi, the Unit Armourer of the NSCDC Enugu State Command, and Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement.
The Nigerian Army said the arrests followed intelligence-led operations conducted in collaboration with other security agencies as part of efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in the region.
Security sources disclosed that the suspects were apprehended following an intelligence-led operation by security agencies investigating the proliferation of illegal weapons and the activities of armed groups in the region.
Acting on further intelligence, troops raided a residence at Achara Road, Trans-Ekulu, Golf Estate in Enugu State, where they arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN member and alleged gun runner, Friday Nnanna.
Security operatives recovered 247 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, 29 live cartridges, four pump-action guns, a Beretta pistol, improvised explosive device-making materials, military accoutrements, assorted weapons, 11 vehicle registration plates and four vehicles.
In a separate operation in Cross River State, troops of the 245 Battalion, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), raided Balep Community along the Ikom–Ogoja Road.
Three suspects were arrested, while two Dane guns, a locally made pistol, six cartridges, military gear and substances suspected to be cannabis were recovered.
The arrests come amid sustained security operations aimed at curbing the activities of armed groups and dismantling illegal arms supply networks across the country. Security agencies have repeatedly warned that anyone found aiding criminal elements will face the full weight of the law.
