Troops Seize Over 164,000 Live Cartridges Destined for IPOB/ESN in Onitsha
In a coordinated operation, troops from Sector 5 of Operation UDO KA, alongside personnel from the 63 Brigade and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), intercepted a truck carrying more than 164,000 live cartridges suspected to be destined for the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The operation, based on credible intelligence, led to the arrest of a suspected arms courier, Mr. Emeka Omenife, along the Asaba–Onitsha expressway on May 29, 2025.
“The vehicle was moved to Onitsha Cantonment for a thorough search,” a security source told Zagazola Makama. “Investigations uncovered 164,650 live cartridges hidden in four secret compartments within the truck’s cargo bed.”
The ammunition is believed to have been smuggled from Ghana and was reportedly intended for distribution among IPOB/ESN operatives in Onitsha.
Following his arrest, Omenife was handed over to the DSS for interrogation. He allegedly confessed to involvement in a transnational arms smuggling syndicate supplying ammunition to the separatist group.
Further investigations led to the arrest of an accomplice, Mr. Uchenna Obiora, at the Onitsha–Awka tollgate on May 30, 2025, where he was reportedly awaiting the ammunition delivery. This arrest culminated in the successful interception of the truck.
Security agencies are continuing investigations to uncover other members of the smuggling network.
Notably, Omenife had previously been arrested on January 22, 2025, during a joint operation by troops and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) at his residence in Onitsha Housing Estate. During that operation, Omenife attempted to flee and was shot in the buttocks before receiving treatment at the 302 Army Regiment Medical Services. He was subsequently handed over to the Anambra State Police Criminal Investigation Department for prosecution.
His re-arrest in May raises serious questions about his earlier release and the handling of his previous case, suggesting a possible return to criminal activities under unclear circumstances.
