Photos: DSS, Army Raid Suspected ESN Armouries In Enugu, Recover Rocket Launcher

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), in collaboration with troops of the Nigerian Army, have raided suspected armouries linked to the outlawed Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Enugu State, recovering a large cache of arms and ammunition.

According to Zagagola Makama, security sources said the operations were carried out following credible intelligence indicating that members of the group were planning attacks in parts of the South-East.

The first operation was conducted on Tuesday in the Garki area of Enugu State, where security operatives uncovered an armoury stocked with sophisticated weapons.

Items recovered during the raid included a rocket launcher, two rocket-propelled grenade warheads, three RPG chargers, three AK-47 rifles and six AK-47 magazines.

The operatives also recovered two handheld grenades, a teargas gun, two teargas canisters, 270 rounds of NATO 7.62x39mm ammunition and 478 rounds of 7.62x39mm special ammunition.

Other items recovered included a bandolier and a baton.

A security source said the operation was based on intelligence suggesting that the group was planning attacks in some states in the region.

“The operation was intelligence-driven and targeted facilities used by the group for storing weapons and other logistics,” the source said.

The raid came shortly after the arrest of several suspected members of the outlawed group in the state.

In a follow-up operation on Wednesday, the joint security team reportedly raided another suspected armoury in the Agbani area of Enugu State.

The operation led to the recovery of eight AK-47 rifles, a smoke grenade launcher, 12 AK-47 magazines, two teargas canisters and 323 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

Security sources said operatives also recovered 10 National Youth Service Corps trousers, eight NYSC T-shirts and four NYSC lanyards from the location.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the purpose of the recovered items and identify other members of the network.

The latest operation comes barely a week after DSS operatives arrested five suspected arms couriers linked to gunmen involved in the abduction of students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri Village, Niger State.

The suspects, including two Nigerien nationals, were apprehended during coordinated operations across Kaduna, Niger and Kebbi states.

Security operatives recovered 15 AK-103 rifles, 15 magazines and 1,434 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition from the suspects.

According to security sources, the recent operations highlight ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle arms trafficking networks and prevent attacks by criminal and terrorist groups across the country.