A joint operation by the Department of State Services (DSS) and troops of the Nigerian Army’s 82 Division has reportedly foiled plans by members of the outlawed Eastern Security Network (ESN) to launch coordinated attacks on security checkpoints and carry out mass kidnappings across the Southeast.
Security sources disclosed that acting on intelligence gathered by the DSS, two ESN field commanders allegedly coordinating the planned operations were arrested on Monday in Garki.
According to the sources, information obtained from the suspects led the DSS to seek operational support from troops of the 82 Division, resulting in a covert raid conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday on an ESN armoury located in the Agbani axis of Agbani.
The operation reportedly led to the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons, including:
One rocket launcher
Two rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) warheads
Three RPG chargers
Eleven AK-47 rifles
Eighteen AK-47 magazines
1,071 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
Two handheld grenades
One teargas gun
One baton
Four teargas canisters
One smoke grenade launcher
Security sources further revealed that operatives recovered ten NYSC trousers, eight NYSC T-shirts and four NYSC lanyards. Intelligence reports allegedly indicated that the uniforms were intended to be used as disguises by ESN operatives during the planned attacks.
Another source familiar with the investigation stated that intelligence obtained from the arrested commanders suggested that the group had planned coordinated attacks across the Southeast aimed at targeting security formations, kidnapping women, students and children, and creating widespread panic in the region.
The development comes barely a week after DSS operatives reportedly arrested five suspected arms couriers linked to the gunmen who abducted students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri Village, Niger State, on November 21, 2025.
The suspects, including two nationals of Niger, were apprehended during coordinated operations across Kaduna State, Niger State and Kebbi State. Security agencies reportedly recovered 15 AK-103 rifles, 15 magazines and 1,434 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition from the suspects.
Security officials maintain that the outlawed ESN has been linked to a series of attacks on security personnel and kidnapping incidents in parts of the Southeast.
The latest operation in Enugu follows recent arrests by the DSS of several suspected members of the group in the state, as security agencies intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks and prevent further attacks in the region.
