In a major breakthrough against violent criminal networks operating in Nigeria’s South-East, security operatives have uncovered a massive cache of sophisticated weapons and ammunition in Enugu State, arresting suspected gunmen and recovering a rocket launcher, 17 AK-47 rifles and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition during coordinated intelligence-led operations.
The operation, carried out by a joint team of security agencies, followed actionable intelligence on the activities of armed groups believed to be plotting attacks in parts of the region. Security sources disclosed that the raids targeted suspected armouries and hideouts used for storing weapons and coordinating violent operations.
Among the items recovered were a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, rocket warheads, AK-47 rifles, magazines, machine guns, hand grenades and large quantities of live ammunition. Investigators described the discovery as one of the most significant arms seizures recorded in the state in recent times.
According to security officials, some of the weapons were concealed in structures designed to evade detection, underscoring the sophistication of the criminal network and the scale of its operations. The intelligence-driven raids also led to the arrest of suspects believed to be linked to the illegal arms stockpile.
Authorities said the successful operation has dealt a severe blow to armed groups seeking to destabilise communities across the South-East, stressing that the recovered weapons could have been deployed in deadly attacks against civilians and security personnel.
Security agencies have intensified investigations to identify and apprehend other members of the network, while forensic examinations are being conducted on the recovered arms and ammunition. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling criminal cells, disrupting illegal arms trafficking and restoring lasting peace across the region.
The latest seizure comes amid sustained security offensives against kidnapping syndicates, separatist-linked armed groups and other violent criminal elements operating across the South-East, with authorities vowing that no sanctuary will be left for those threatening Nigeria’s national security.