On Wednesday, the Department of State Services (DSS), supported by troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, successfully thwarted plans by members of the proscribed Eastern Security Network (ESN) to attack multiple security checkpoints and abduct women, students, and children across states in the Southeast region.
Arrest of ESN Field Commanders
A security source disclosed that, based on intelligence gathered by the DSS, two ESN field commanders who were coordinating the planned attacks were apprehended on Monday in Garki, Enugu State. The source further revealed that following leads provided by the captured ESN commanders, the DSS sought the assistance of troops from the 82 Division and conducted a covert operation.
Raids on ESN Armoury
The operation led to raids by DSS officers and soldiers on Tuesday and Wednesday on an ESN armoury located in the Agbani area of Enugu State. According to the source, the raids resulted in the recovery of a cache of high-calibre weapons, including a rocket launcher, two RPG warheads, three RPG chargers, and 11 AK-47 rifles. Additionally, 18 AK-47 magazines, 1,071 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two handheld grenades, one teargas gun, a baton, and two teargas canisters were seized. The haul also included one smoke grenade launcher, two teargas canisters, 10 NYSC trousers, eight NYSC T-shirts, and four NYSC lanyards.
Use of NYSC Uniforms
The source disclosed that intelligence indicated ESN members planned to use the NYSC uniforms as a disguise to carry out their attacks.
Intelligence on Planned Attacks
Another source revealed that information obtained from the arrested ESN field commanders indicated that the terrorist organization intended to launch widespread attacks across Southeast states, kidnap women, students, and children, spread fear, and create the impression that the region had been overrun by insecurity.
Previous Arrests
The recoveries in Enugu came barely a week after DSS operatives 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 Nigeriens, were apprehended in coordinated operations across Kaduna, Niger, and Kebbi states. Items recovered from them included 15 AK-103 rifles, 15 magazines, and 1,434 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
Ongoing Operations
The source stated that the outlawed group has been responsible for a series of kidnappings and attacks on security operatives in the Southeast. The raids on the ESN armoury in Enugu State followed a recent arrest by the DSS of several suspected members of the proscribed organization in the state.
