By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Nigerian Army under the 13 Brigade operating within the operational command of the 82 Division Nigerian Army have neutralised five armed criminals and uncovered an illegal weapons manufacturing factory in Odonget Community, Obubra Local Government Area.
The operation followed a recent ambush on troops who had earlier responded to a distress call stemming from a communal dispute in the area.
According to a statement issued by the Assistant Director Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Major Yemi Sokoya, troops conducted a follow-up exploitation operation between March 12 and 13, 2026. The operation involved aggressive cordon and search missions as well as fighting patrols across identified locations of interest aimed at tracking down those responsible for the earlier attack on security personnel.
During the operation on March 13, troops made contact with the armed criminals within the general area and engaged them in a fierce firefight. The encounter resulted in the neutralisation of five of the attackers, while others escaped from the scene.
Further exploitation of the area led to the discovery of an illegal gun manufacturing factory believed to have been used by criminal elements to fabricate weapons deployed in violent activities within the locality.
A thorough search of the facility led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifle magazines, ten locally fabricated weapons and a toolbox containing equipment used for weapon manufacturing. The illegal arms production site was subsequently destroyed to prevent its continued use by criminal elements.
The Commander of 13 Brigade, Patrick Alimikhena, who personally led and supervised the operation, commended the troops for their gallantry and professionalism during the encounter.
Brigadier General Alimikhena reassured residents that the Brigade remains fully committed to maintaining peace and stability in the area, noting that troops will sustain aggressive operations, intensified surveillance and continuous patrols to track down fleeing criminal elements and prevent further threats to law-abiding citizens.
He also encouraged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information that could assist ongoing efforts to rid the area of criminal activities.
