By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Nigerian Army has recorded another major breakthrough in the South East as sustained offensive operations forced members of a militant group to voluntarily surrender arms, while intelligence-led raids led to the recovery of additional weapons and an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
In a statement issued on Friday, the Army said the operation was carried out by troops of 82 Division/Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA (OPUK). The successes, it noted, highlight the effectiveness of combining kinetic operations with strategic engagements to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace in the region.
According to the statement, the breakthrough followed sustained pressure by troops of 34 Artillery Brigade and the recent arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a soldier.
“Unable to withstand the relentless military offensive, members of a militant group operating within Egbema and its environs voluntarily began surrendering their weapons,” the Army said.
One of the suspects disclosed the location where the group had concealed its arms and led security operatives to exhume the site.
Items recovered from the site include: One AK-47 rifle, – Two AK-47 magazines,- 54 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition,- Four locally fabricated firearms
In a related development, troops of Sector 5 OPUK, acting on credible intelligence, conducted 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 IED.
The Army said the recovery further denied criminal elements the capability to threaten public safety and security in the region.
Describing the voluntary surrender of arms as evidence of progress, the Army stated that sustained operational pressure, reinforced by collaboration with other security agencies, is compelling criminal elements to abandon violence.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in sustaining the current operational momentum until all criminal networks are dismantled and enduring peace and stability are fully restored across the South East,” the statement added.
The Army reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting lives and property through intelligence-driven operations.
It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, noting that public support remains critical to sustaining operational successes.
