The Nigerian Army has recorded another major operational success in the South-East, with sustained military operations forcing members of a militant group to surrender their weapons while troops also recovered additional arms and an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in separate intelligence-led operations.
The Army said the achievements were recorded by troops of the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South East under Operation UDO KA (OPUK), describing the development as further proof of the effectiveness of its combined kinetic and non-kinetic strategy in dismantling criminal networks and restoring peace across the region.
According to the Army, the breakthrough followed sustained pressure mounted by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade after the recent arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a soldier. Unable to withstand the military offensive, members of a militant group operating in Egbema and surrounding communities voluntarily began surrendering their arms.
One of the suspects subsequently led security operatives to a concealed location where the group’s weapons had been buried.
Items recovered from the site 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, acting on credible intelligence, recovered two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), 45 rounds of 7.62mm x 51 ammunition and one Improvised Explosive Device (IED), further degrading the operational capabilities of criminal elements in the region.
The Nigerian Army said the voluntary surrender of arms demonstrates that sustained military pressure, supported by strategic engagements and collaboration with other security agencies, is compelling criminal groups to abandon violence and renounce their activities.
It reaffirmed its determination to sustain ongoing operations until all criminal networks are dismantled and lasting peace and stability are restored across the South-East.
The Army also reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and safeguarding lives and property through intelligence-driven operations carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and critical stakeholders.
It urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains vital to sustaining operational successes and enhancing national security.
