The Nigerian Army has announced that sustained military operations in the South-East have forced members of a militant group to surrender their weapons, while troops recovered additional arms and an improvised explosive device (IED) in separate intelligence-driven operations.
The Army said the operations were carried out by troops of the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South East under Operation UDO KA, describing the developments as a sign that ongoing efforts are weakening the capabilities of criminal groups operating in the region.
The South-East has faced prolonged security challenges in recent years, with attacks targeting security personnel, government facilities, and civilians. In response, the military launched Operation UDO KA to disrupt criminal networks, restore stability, and improve safety across the region.
In a statement shared on its official X account on Sunday, the Army said the latest achievements demonstrated the impact of its combined military and non-military strategies.
“The Nigerian Army has recorded another significant operational breakthrough in the South-East as sustained offensive operations by troops of 82 Division/Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA (OPUK), compelled members of a militant group to voluntarily surrender arms, while separate intelligence-led operations resulted in the recovery of additional weapons and an improvised explosive device,” the statement read.
The Army attributed the breakthrough to sustained pressure from troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade and the recent arrest of suspects allegedly linked to the killing of a soldier.
According to the statement, the continued military offensive forced members of a militant group operating in Egbema and surrounding communities to abandon their resistance and surrender weapons.
“One of the suspects, who disclosed the location where the group’s weapons had been concealed, led security personnel to the site where the arms were recovered,” the Army said.
Recovered items from the hideout included an AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 54 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, and four locally fabricated firearms.
The Army added that troops, acting on credible intelligence, also conducted a separate operation in which additional weapons and explosives were intercepted.
It said the operations formed part of broader efforts to dismantle criminal networks and strengthen peace and security across the South-East.
