TROOPS IN SOUTH EAST BUST CRIMINAL HIDEOUT, SEIZE WEAPONS AS OPERATION UDO KA SUSTAINS OFFENSIVE. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE.

 TROOPS IN SOUTH EAST  BUST CRIMINAL HIDEOUT, SEIZE WEAPONS AS OPERATION UDO KA SUSTAINS OFFENSIVE

The Nigerian Army has recorded another operational success in its sustained offensive against criminal elements in the South-East, with troops of Sector 4, Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA (OPUK), recovering a cache of arms and ammunition during a precision intelligence-led operation in Rivers State. The latest feat underscores the military's resolve to dismantle criminal networks, deny armed groups any opportunity to cause mayhem and create a secure environment for peace, stability and socio-economic development across the region.

The operation, conducted in the early hours of 23 July 2026, targeted a suspected criminal hideout at Awara Community Waterside in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area and along the Omoku–Ogbaku–Ndoni axis of Rivers State.

Acting on credible intelligence, the troops raided the forest enclave believed to have been used by criminal elements as a staging base for planning kidnappings and launching attacks against security personnel and innocent citizens.

Troops during the operation recovered one Lee-Enfield MK I rifle, one G3 rifle, 116 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition and 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. The operation is still ongoing to totally clear the general area of all forms of criminalities.

This latest recovery, the fourth successful seizure of illegal arms and ammunition by troops within the last two weeks, further demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the growing synergy between the Nigerian Army, sister security agencies and patriotic members of the public. It also reflects the sustained pressure being mounted on criminal networks, significantly degrading their operational capabilities and limiting their ability to threaten lives and property.

The Nigerian Army reiterates its unwavering commitment to sustaining aggressive and intelligence-led operations in collaboration with other security agencies until all criminal elements are denied safe havens and brought to justice. The public is encouraged to continue supporting ongoing operations by providing timely and credible information, as collective vigilance remains critical to achieving enduring peace, security and stability across the South-East and the nation at large.