Photos: Troops Intercept Truck with Over 164,000 Cartridges in Anambra, Arrest Suspected IPOB/ESN Arms Suppliers

Troops of Sector 5 of Operation UDO KA, in a joint operation with operatives of the 63 Brigade and the Department of State Services (DSS), have intercepted a truck carrying more than 164,000 live cartridges in Anambra State. According to security expert Zagazola Makama in a post on X, the ammunition was allegedly being supplied to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Acting on credible intelligence, security forces arrested a suspected arms courier, Mr. Emeka Omenife, on May 29, 2025, along the Asaba–Onitsha expressway. He was immediately handed over to the DSS for interrogation, where he reportedly confessed to being part of a syndicate smuggling ammunition from Ghana into Nigeria for use by IPOB/ESN operatives.

Following this confession, troops tracked down and arrested an accomplice, Mr. Uchenna Obiora, on May 30 at the Onitsha–Awka tollgate, where he was allegedly waiting to receive the delivery. This led to the interception of a truck containing the concealed ammunition.

The vehicle was moved to Onitsha Cantonment, where a thorough search revealed 164,650 live cartridges hidden within four specially constructed compartments in the truck’s cargo bed. Security sources told Zagazola that the ammunition was intended for delivery in Onitsha and was believed to have been purchased in Ghana.

Further investigations are underway to identify and apprehend other members of the arms trafficking syndicate.

Makama also confirmed that Omenife had previously been arrested by troops and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) tracking team on January 22 at his residence in Onitsha Housing Estate. During that operation, he attempted to flee and was shot before being treated at the 302 Army Regiment Medical Services. He was later handed over to the Anambra State Police Criminal Investigation Department, Annex Akwuzu, for prosecution. His re-arrest in May raises questions about the circumstances of his release and suggests he may have returned to arms smuggling shortly after.

See photos…….