Troops of Sector 4, Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA (OPUK), have recovered a cache of arms and ammunition during an intelligence-led operation targeting a suspected criminal hideout in Rivers State, in another major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat violent crime in the South-East.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of 23 July 2026, was conducted at Awara Community Waterside in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area and along the Omoku–Ogbaku–Ndoni axis of Rivers State following credible intelligence on the activities of criminal elements in the area.
Military sources said the forest enclave served as a staging base for suspected criminals planning kidnappings and attacks on security personnel as well as members of the public. Troops raided the hideout and recovered one Lee-Enfield MK I rifle, one G3 rifle, 116 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition and 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
The troops have continued clearance operations in the area to flush out remaining criminal elements and deny them any opportunity to regroup.
The latest recovery marks the fourth successful seizure of illegal arms and ammunition by troops operating under Operation UDO KA within the past two weeks, highlighting the sustained effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations across the region.
Military authorities noted that the development reflects growing collaboration between the Nigerian Army, other security agencies and members of the public, a partnership that has continued to degrade the operational capabilities of criminal groups and limit their ability to threaten lives and property.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led and offensive operations alongside other security agencies until criminal elements are eliminated and their hideouts dismantled. It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations aimed at ensuring lasting peace and stability in the South-East.
