DSS, Army Raid ESN Armoury in Enugu, Seize Rockets and Weapons

Security operatives from the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army have dismantled a significant weapons cache belonging to the Eastern Security Network in Enugu State. The coordinated operation culminated in the recovery of multiple high-calibre weapons, including rocket launchers and machine guns, according to security sources who disclosed details of the raid on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The operation began after intelligence-led investigations identified two ESN field commanders coordinating planned attacks on security checkpoints across the Southeast. Security personnel arrested these commanders in Garki, Enugu State, on Monday.

Following their apprehension, the DSS requested military support from troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army to execute a covert raid on an armoury located in the Agbani area of Enugu State. The sources indicate that the planned attacks were intended to target security installations, with secondary objectives involving mass abductions targeting women and students across the region.

The recovery of weaponry during the raid included rocket launchers, AK-series rifles, and large quantities of ammunition. One source itemised the haul as 15 AK-103 rifles, 15 magazines, and 1,434 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, though the full extent of recovered items varies slightly across accounts.

In related operations, security forces also arrested five additional suspects linked to the group across multiple states, including individuals apprehended in connection with abductions at Saint Mary's Catholic School in Papiri village, Niger State, in November 2025. The arrested individuals included two foreign nationals, and operations extended across Kaduna, Niger, and Kebbi states as part of a broader security sweep targeting ESN networks.