By ZAKAA LAZARUS
Sustained military operations in the South East have forced members of a militant group to voluntarily surrender arms, while separate intelligence-led raids led to the recovery of additional weapons and an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
The Nigerian Army said the breakthrough was recorded by troops of 82 Division/Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA (OPUK) as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace in the region.
According to the Army, the development followed weeks of sustained pressure by troops of 34 Artillery Brigade and the recent arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a soldier.
Unable to withstand the offensive, members of a militant group operating in Egbema and its environs began surrendering their weapons.
One of the suspects led troops to a concealed arms cache, which was exhumed during the operation.
Items recovered include:
– 1 AK-47 rifle
– 2 AK-47 magazines
– 54 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition
– 4 locally fabricated firearms
In a related operation, troops of Sector 5 OPUK acting on credible intelligence recovered more firepower.
The Army said the team recovered:
– 2 General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs)
– 45 rounds of 7.62mm x 51 ammunition
– 1 Improvised Explosive Device (IED)
The Army noted that the recovery denied criminal elements the capability to threaten public safety in the area.
The Nigerian Army described the voluntary surrender as evidence that its combined Kinetic and non-kinetic approach, along with collaboration with other security agencies, is yielding results.
“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,” the statement said.
It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely information to security agencies, saying public support remains key to sustaining the gains.
