Troops Bust Criminal Gang, Recover Arms in South-East 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 the opportunity to perpetrate violence, and create a secure environment for peace, stability and socio-economic development across the region.
The operation, conducted in the early hours of July 23, 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 a forest enclave believed to have served as a staging base for criminal elements planning kidnappings and attacks on security personnel and innocent civilians.
During the operation, troops recovered one Lee-Enfield Mk I rifle, one G3 rifle, 116 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition and 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. Military authorities said the operation is continuing to clear the area of all criminal elements and dismantle their remaining hideouts.
The latest recovery marks the fourth successful seizure of illegal arms and ammunition by Operation UDO KA troops within the past two weeks, highlighting the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the growing collaboration between the Nigerian Army, other security agencies and members of the public.
According to the Army, the sustained offensive has continued to degrade the operational capabilities of criminal groups, limiting their ability to threaten lives and property across the South-East.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive intelligence-led operations in collaboration with sister security agencies until all criminal elements are denied safe havens and brought to justice.
It also appealed to residents to continue supporting ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information, stressing that collective vigilance remains vital to achieving lasting peace, security and stability in the South-East and across the country.
