The Department of State Services, DSS, backed by troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, has reportedly foiled an alleged plot by members of the outlawed Eastern Security Network, ESN, to attack security checkpoints and abduct women, students and children across the South-East.
A security source disclosed that the operation followed intelligence gathered by the DSS, which led to the arrest of two alleged ESN field commanders in Garki, Enugu State, on Monday.
According to the source, the suspects were allegedly coordinating planned attacks in the region.
The source said information obtained from the arrested commanders led the DSS to seek the support of troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army for a covert follow-up operation.
The joint operation reportedly resulted in raids on an alleged ESN armoury in the Agbani axis of Enugu State on Tuesday and Wednesday.
During the raids, security operatives reportedly recovered a cache of high-calibre weapons and other items.
The recovered items were said to include one rocket launcher, two rocket-propelled grenade warheads, three RPG chargers and 11 AK-47 rifles.
Also recovered were 18 AK-47 magazines, 1,071 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two handheld grenades, one teargas gun, one baton, two teargas canisters and one smoke grenade launcher.
The source further disclosed that security operatives recovered 10 NYSC trousers, eight NYSC T-shirts and four NYSC lanyards from the location.
According to the source, intelligence suggested that the ESN members allegedly planned to use the NYSC uniforms as cover to launch attacks and possibly mislead security agencies and members of the public.
The source alleged that the planned attacks were intended to target security checkpoints, abduct women, students and children, spread fear and create the impression that the South-East had been overrun by insecurity.
The Enugu operation came shortly after the DSS reportedly arrested several suspected members of the outlawed group in the state.
It also followed a recent DSS operation in which five suspected arms couriers, including two Nigeriens, were arrested in connection with gunmen linked to the abduction of students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri Village, Niger State, on November 21, 2025.
In that operation, security operatives reportedly recovered 15 AK-103 rifles, 15 magazines and 1,434 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition during coordinated operations across Kaduna, Niger and Kebbi states.
Security sources said the outlawed group had been linked to several kidnappings and attacks on security operatives in the South-East.
They added that further operations were ongoing to dismantle criminal networks and prevent attacks on security personnel and civilian populations in the region.
As of the time of this report, official statements from the DSS and the Nigerian Army on the details of the operation were still being awaited.
