Police have said the searches were linked to finds earlier this year in Carnfunnock Country Park and Capanagh Forest.
“This was a major find and the police are to be congratulated on a job well done,” said Mr Dickson.
“With the link to the earlier finds, there can be no doubt the material was to be used by dissident republican terrorists and therefore this discovery will have saved many from injury or even worse.
“It is incredibly disappointing some in our society are still actively working to disrupt the progress Northern Ireland has made and shows we must do all we can to not give in to them but continue to stand against their evil intent.”