The Nigerian Army has recorded another major operational success in the South East as sustained military operations under Operation UDO KA forced members of a militant group to surrender their weapons, while separate intelligence driven missions led to the recovery of additional firearms and an improvised explosive device.
The latest development, according to the Army, highlights the growing impact of coordinated kinetic and non kinetic operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring lasting peace across the region.
Military authorities disclosed that troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade intensified operations following the recent arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a soldier. The sustained pressure reportedly weakened the militant group operating around Egbema, prompting some members to voluntarily surrender.
One of the suspects subsequently volunteered vital information on the location where the group’s weapons had been hidden. Acting on the intelligence, security operatives moved to the site and successfully exhumed the concealed cache of arms.
Items recovered during the operation included one AK 47 rifle, two AK 47 magazines, 54 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and four locally fabricated firearms.
In a separate operation, troops of Sector 5 of Operation UDO KA acted on credible intelligence to launch a follow up mission that resulted in another significant recovery from suspected criminal hideouts.
The troops recovered two General Purpose Machine Guns, 45 rounds of 7.62mm x 51 ammunition and one Improvised Explosive Device, denying criminal elements access to weapons capable of threatening lives and public safety.
The Nigerian Army said the voluntary surrender of weapons reflects the effectiveness of sustained military pressure combined with strategic engagements and close collaboration with other security agencies. It noted that the approach is compelling armed groups to abandon violence and renounce criminal activities.
The Army reaffirmed its determination to maintain the current operational tempo until all criminal networks operating in the South East are dismantled and enduring peace, security and stability are fully restored across the region.
It also reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and safeguarding lives and property through intelligence driven operations. The Army appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to sustaining operational successes and strengthening national security.