Troops Bust Criminal Hideout, Recover Weapons in Rivers

The Nigerian Army has recorded another 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 under Operation UDO KA.

The operation, carried out by troops of Sector 4, Joint Task Force South-East, in the early hours of July 23, 2026, targeted a suspected criminal hideout at Awara Community Waterside in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area and along the Omoku–Ogbaku–Ndoni axis of the state.

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 launching attacks against security personnel and 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. Security forces said clearance operations are continuing to flush out all criminal elements from 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 evidence of the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and enhanced collaboration among the Nigerian Army, other security agencies and members of the public.

It added that the sustained offensive has continued to degrade the operational capabilities of criminal networks, limiting their ability to carry out attacks and threaten lives and property across the region.

Reaffirming its commitment to restoring peace and security, the Nigerian Army said it would continue to sustain aggressive, intelligence-led operations in collaboration with other security agencies until criminal groups are dismantled and those responsible are brought to justice.

The Army also appealed to residents to support ongoing operations by providing timely and credible information, stressing that public cooperation remains vital to achieving lasting peace, security and stability in the South-East and across the country.