The recovered weapons. Photo: Nigeria Army

The recovered weapons. Photo: Nigeria Army

The Nigerian Army says sustained military operations in the South-East have forced members of a militant group to surrender their weapons, while troops also recovered additional arms and an improvised explosive device during separate intelligence-led operations.

The Army said the latest breakthroughs were recorded by troops of the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, describing the development as evidence that ongoing military operations are degrading the operational capacity of criminal groups in the region.

The South-East has witnessed persistent security challenges in recent years, including attacks on security personnel, government facilities and civilians by armed groups.

In response, the military launched Operation UDO KA as part of efforts to restore peace, dismantle criminal networks and improve security across the region.

In a statement posted on its official X account on Sunday, the Nigerian Army said the latest successes reflected the effectiveness of its combined kinetic and non-kinetic strategy.

The statement partly read, “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 (IED).

“The latest successes further underscore the effectiveness of the Nigerian Army’s integrated kinetic and non-kinetic approach in dismantling criminal networks and restoring lasting peace and security across the region.”

According to the Army, the breakthrough followed sustained pressure mounted by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, coupled with the recent arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a soldier.

It explained that the unrelenting military offensive forced members of a militant group operating around Egbema and neighbouring communities to surrender their weapons voluntarily.

The statement added, “The breakthrough followed sustained operational pressure mounted 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.

“One of the suspects, who disclosed the location where the group’s weapons had been concealed and hidden, led security team to exhume the site.”

The Army disclosed that security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 54 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and four locally fabricated firearms from the hideout.

It added that in a separate operation, troops acting on credible intelligence intercepted more weapons and explosives.

*”In a related development, troops of Sector 5 OPUK, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a follow-up operation that led to the successful recovery of two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), 45 rounds of 7.62 mm x 51 ammunition and one Improvised Explosive Device (IED), further denying criminal elements the capability to threaten public safety and security in the region”, the statement added.

The Army described the voluntary surrender of weapons as a clear indication that sustained military pressure, strategic engagements and collaboration with other security agencies were compelling criminal elements to abandon violence.

“The Nigerian Army assesses the voluntary surrender of arms as clear evidence that sustained operational pressure, reinforced by strategic engagement initiatives and collaboration with other security agencies, is yielding tangible results by compelling criminal elements to abandon violence and renounce their criminal activities.

“The 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”, it further stated.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the country’s territorial integrity and maintaining security across the region through intelligence-driven operations carried out with other security agencies.

It also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security efforts by providing timely and credible information.

“The Nigerian Army reiterates its unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting the lives and property of all citizens through intelligence-driven operations conducted in close collaboration with other security agencies and critical stakeholders.

“We urge members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, as public support remains indispensable to sustaining operational successes and strengthening national security”, the statement added.