In a major security breakthrough, Nigerian troops have seized a massive consignment of live cartridges being smuggled from Ghana into Nigeria, dealing a heavy blow to illegal arms trafficking in the region. Troops of Sector 5, Operation UDO KA, in a coordinated effort with the 63 Brigade and the Department of State Services (DSS), intercepted a truck along the Asaba–Onitsha expressway on May 29, 2025, loaded with more than 164,000 live cartridges.
The sting operation followed precise intelligence, which led to the arrest of a suspected arms courier, Emeka Omenife. He was promptly handed over to the DSS for interrogation. During questioning, Omenife reportedly admitted to being part of a syndicate that has been transporting ammunition from Ghana into Nigeria, allegedly supplying the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Omenife’s confession enabled security forces to arrest his accomplice, Uchenna Obiora, at the Onitsha–Awka tollgate on May 30, 2025. Obiora was allegedly waiting to take delivery of the deadly cargo. Further investigation led to the interception of the truck, where the ammunition was cleverly concealed.
The Nigerian military’s swift action underscores the ongoing battle against illegal arms trafficking and separatist violence. Security agencies have reiterated their commitment to curbing the proliferation of illicit weapons and maintaining peace across the nation, vowing to dismantle every syndicate fueling insecurity.
This high-stakes interception is a testament to the power of joint intelligence and cooperation among Nigeria’s security agencies, and a warning to arms traffickers—no hiding place.
