The Nigerian Army says sustained military operations across the South-East have compelled members of a militant group to voluntarily surrender their weapons, while troops also recovered additional arms and an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) during separate intelligence-led operations.
In a statement, the Army said the operations were carried out by troops of the 82 Division Nigerian Army and the Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, describing the development as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore lasting peace in the region.
According to the Army, the latest success followed sustained operational pressure by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, coupled with the recent arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a soldier.
The military said the intensified offensive forced members of a militant group operating within Egbema and surrounding communities to surrender their weapons voluntarily.
One of the suspects reportedly led security operatives to a concealed location where the group’s weapons had been buried.
Items recovered from the hideout include one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 54 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and four locally fabricated firearms.
In a separate intelligence-driven operation, troops of Sector 5, Operation UDO KA, also recovered two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), 45 rounds of 7.62mm x 51 ammunition and one Improvised Explosive Device (IED), further weakening the operational capacity of criminal elements in the region.
The Nigerian Army said the voluntary surrender of weapons demonstrates that sustained military pressure, strategic engagements and collaboration with other security agencies are yielding positive results in the fight against insecurity.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations until all criminal networks are dismantled and lasting peace is restored across the South-East.
It also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information to strengthen ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property.
