SECURITY operatives in southeastern Nigeria have seized a large haul of weapons after uncovering a clandestine arms hideout concealed inside a structure masquerading as a piggery in Enugu State.
Troops from the 82 Division Garrison, operating under Sector 1 of Operation UDO KA, alongside operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), Enugu State Command, carried out the intelligence-led raid on 9 June 2026 in Gariki, Enugu South Local Government Area.
The operation formed part of the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY II, aimed at consolidating peacebuilding efforts across the South East region.
According to a statement released by the army on 10 June 2026, the search followed credible information obtained from previously arrested suspects linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Troops discovered a significant weapons cache hidden beneath a zinc structure that had been deliberately designed to resemble a piggery – an apparent ruse to avoid detection.
Recovered items include General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), an RPG-7 launcher tube, AK-47 rifles, hand grenades, a tear gas gun with cartridges, multiple AK-47 magazines, 270 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and 478 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
All recovered weapons and arrested suspects have been handed over to the DSS Enugu State Command for further investigation and potential prosecution.
In a statement, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division, described the operation as a “significant operational success” and a testament to effective interagency collaboration.
“This intelligence-driven operation underscores the proactive measures to counter threats to national unity and public safety,” the statement read. “Operation UDO KA reaffirms its dedication to protecting citizens and preserving national sovereignty.”
The public has been urged to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces to help achieve lasting peace and security in the South East.
