DSS and Army operatives have foiled a major ESN attack plot in Enugu, recovering a rocket launcher, 11 AK-47 rifles and other weapons during coordinated raids.

The Department of State Services (DSS), with the support of troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, has foiled plans by members of the outlawed Eastern Security Network (ESN) to attack security checkpoints and abduct women, students and children across the Southeast.

A security source disclosed that two ESN field commanders coordinating the planned attacks were arrested on Monday in Garki, Enugu State, following intelligence gathered by the DSS.
Raids on ESN armoury in Agbani axis
Acting on information obtained from the arrested commanders, the DSS enlisted the support of troops from the 82 Division and launched a covert operation. On Tuesday and Wednesday, DSS operatives and soldiers raided an ESN armoury located in the Agbani axis of Enugu State.
The operation led to the recovery of a cache of high-calibre weapons, including one rocket launcher, two RPG warheads, three RPG chargers and 11 AK-47 rifles.
Security personnel also recovered 18 AK-47 magazines, 1,071 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two handheld grenades, one teargas gun, a baton and two teargas canisters.
NYSC uniforms allegedly meant for disguise
The source further disclosed that operatives recovered one smoke grenade launcher, two teargas canisters, 10 NYSC trousers, eight NYSC T-shirts and four NYSC lanyards.
According to intelligence reports, ESN members allegedly planned to use the NYSC uniforms as a cover while carrying out the attacks.
Information obtained from the arrested field commanders indicated that the group intended to launch coordinated attacks across states in the Southeast, targeting women, students and children for abduction, while creating fear and the impression that insecurity had overwhelmed the region.
Recent related arrests
The recovery in Enugu comes barely a week after DSS operatives arrested five suspected arms couriers linked to gunmen involved in the abduction of students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri Village, Niger State, on November 21, 2025.
Items recovered from the suspects arrested in Kaduna, Niger and Kebbi states included 15 AK-103 rifles, 15 magazines and 1,434 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
The Enugu operation also followed the recent arrest of several suspected ESN members in the state by DSS operatives.
The outlawed group has been linked to a series of kidnappings and attacks on security personnel across the Southeast.