Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade under Joint Task Force (JTF) South East, Operation UDO KA, have arrested a suspected key armourer and logistics courier linked to attacks on oil installations and security personnel, recovering a large cache of arms and ammunition during an intelligence-led operation in Imo State.
According to an official statement, the operation was carried out in the early hours of July 1, 2026, following credible intelligence that led troops to conduct a deliberate search and raid along the Akpe Aggah–Egbema Forest axis. The operation culminated in the arrest of the suspect at Obiakpu Forest.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly served as the principal armourer for a criminal group responsible for attacks on oil installations and troops deployed in the Ohaji–Egbema area of the state.
Items recovered during the operation included one AK-47 rifle, one M4A1 carbine, one M16A2 rifle, six magazines, five pump-action guns, a locally fabricated pistol and a large quantity of assorted ammunition.
Military authorities described the recovery as a major setback to the operational capability and logistics network of the criminal group, noting that the seizure would significantly disrupt its activities.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing further investigation to facilitate follow-up operations aimed at identifying, apprehending and dismantling other members and collaborators of the criminal network.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements threatening national security and critical economic assets. It also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely, credible and actionable intelligence through established reporting channels.
