Militants surrender arms, as troops recover more weapons in S/east

By Imisioluwa Afunmiso

The Nigerian Army has recorded another operational success in the South East as sustained military offensives forced members of a militant group to surrender weapons, while separate intelligence-led operations led to the recovery of additional arms and an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

The Army said the development was part of ongoing operations by troops of the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA (OPUK), aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring peace across the region.

According to a statement, the breakthrough followed sustained operational pressure mounted by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade and the recent arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a soldier.

Unable to withstand the military offensive, members of the militant group operating within Egbema and surrounding communities reportedly began voluntarily surrendering their weapons.

One of the arrested suspects subsequently led security operatives to a location where the group’s arms had been concealed.

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 operation, troops of Sector 5, Operation UDO KA, acting on credible intelligence, recovered two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), 45 rounds of 7.62mm x 51 ammunition and one Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

The Army said the recoveries had further degraded the operational capability of criminal elements and prevented them from posing threats to lives and property in the region.

It described the voluntary surrender of arms as evidence that sustained military pressure, combined with strategic engagements and collaboration with other security agencies, was compelling criminal groups to abandon violence.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining ongoing operations until all criminal networks are dismantled and lasting peace and stability are restored across the South East.

It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains vital to achieving lasting security across the country.