The Nigerian Army has intensified its offensive against militant groups in the South-East, recording fresh operational gains with the recovery of heavy weapons and an improvised explosive device (IED) during intelligence-led operations across the region.
The latest successes were achieved by troops of 82 Division, Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, as part of sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace and security in the region.
Security sources said troops of Sector 5, Operation UDO KA, acting on credible intelligence, carried out a follow-up operation that led to the recovery of two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), 45 rounds of 7.62mm x 51 ammunition and one improvised explosive device, significantly degrading the operational capability of criminal elements.
In a related development, sustained operational pressure mounted by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, coupled with the recent arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a soldier, forced members of a militant group operating within Egbema and its environs to begin surrendering their weapons.
One of the suspects subsequently led security personnel to a location where the group’s arms had been concealed. Troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 54 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and four locally fabricated firearms from the hideout.
Military authorities assessed the voluntary surrender of arms as evidence that sustained military offensives, strategic engagements and collaboration with other security agencies are yielding positive results by compelling criminal elements to abandon violence and relinquish their weapons.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations across the South-East until all criminal networks are dismantled and lasting peace and stability are restored.
It also appealed to residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains essential to sustaining operational successes and enhancing national security.
