Police in southeastern Nigeria have seized a major cache of weapons, including AK-47 rifles and locally made rocket launchers, in a major crackdown on separatist and kidnap gangs.

The security operation also led to the rescue of several kidnapped victims and trafficked children, highlighting the human cost of growing insecurity in the region.

Authorities say the raids were part of intensified efforts to dismantle armed networks threatening national security.

The discovery has sparked renewed concern over the proliferation of arms among non-state actors operating across southeastern Nigeria.