Troops arrest suspected armourer in Imo

Troops of Joint Task Force (JTF) South-East, Operation UDO KA, have arrested a suspected armourer and logistics courier linked to attacks on oil installations and security personnel in Imo.

The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement on its verified Facebook and X Handles on Thursday.

It said the operation was conducted by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade following credible intelligence.

The army said troops carried out a search-and-raid operation along the Akpe Aggah–Egbema Forest axis in the early hours of July 1, leading to the arrest of the suspect at Obiakpu Forest.

According to the post, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect served as principal armourer for a criminal group responsible for attacks on oil installations and troops deployed to the Ohaji-Egbema area.

It said the operation led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one M4A1 carbine, one M16A2 rifle, six magazines, five pump-action guns, a locally fabricated pistol and a large quantity of assorted ammunition.

The army said the recovery had significantly disrupted the operational capability and logistics network of the criminal group.

It added that the suspect remained in custody and would undergo further investigation to facilitate follow-on operations, aimed at apprehending other members and collaborators of the network.

The army reaffirmed commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements threatening national security and economic assets.

It urged the public to provide timely and credible information through established security channels.