Troops Recover Arms, Ammunition in Intelligence-Led Operation in Rivers
The Nigerian Army has recorded another operational breakthrough in its ongoing offensive against criminal elements in the South-East, recovering a cache of arms and ammunition during an intelligence-led operation in Rivers State.
The operation was carried out by troops of Sector 4, Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA (OPUK) in the early hours of 23 July 2026, targeting a suspected criminal hideout at Awara Community Waterside in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area and along the Omoku–Ogbaku–Ndoni axis.
According to the Army, the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that the forest enclave was being used by criminal elements as a staging base for planning kidnappings and attacks on security personnel and innocent civilians.
During the raid, troops recovered one Lee-Enfield MK I rifle, one G3 rifle, 116 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, and 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
The military disclosed that clearance operations are ongoing to flush out remaining criminal elements and restore security in the area.
The Army noted that the latest recovery marks the fourth successful seizure of illegal arms and ammunition by troops within the past two weeks, describing it as a reflection of the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the growing collaboration between the military, other security agencies and members of the public.
It added that sustained pressure on criminal groups is significantly degrading their operational capabilities and restricting their ability to threaten lives and property.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive intelligence-led operations in partnership with other security agencies until all criminal elements are denied safe havens and brought to justice.
It also urged members of the public to continue supporting ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information, stressing that collective vigilance remains essential to achieving lasting peace, security and stability across the South-East and the country.
Troops Recover Arms, Ammunition in Intelligence-Led Operation in Rivers