The Nigerian Army has recovered arms and ammunition after raiding a suspected criminal hideout in Rivers State during an intelligence-led operation by troops of Sector 4, Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA.
The operation, carried out on July 23, 2026, targeted a forest enclave at Awara Community Waterside in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area and along the Omoku–Ogbaku–Ndoni axis in Rivers State.
According to the Army, the hideout was believed to have served as a base for criminal elements planning kidnappings and attacks on security personnel and civilians.
In a statement posted on its X handle on Friday, the Army said the raid formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace in the region.
“Acting on credible intelligence, the troops raided the forest enclave believed to have been used by criminal elements as a staging base for planning kidnappings and launching attacks against security personnel and innocent citizens,” the Army stated.
During the operation, troops recovered one Lee-Enfield MK I rifle, one G3 rifle, 116 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition and 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
The Army said troops were continuing operations in the area to completely flush out criminal elements.
“This latest recovery, the fourth successful seizure of illegal arms and ammunition by troops within the last two weeks, further demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations,” the statement added.
The military noted that the sustained offensive had significantly disrupted the activities of criminal groups while reaffirming its commitment to intensified operations.
“The Nigerian Army reiterates its unwavering commitment to sustaining aggressive and intelligence-led operations in collaboration with other security agencies until all criminal elements are denied safe havens and brought to justice,” it said.
The Army also appealed to residents to continue supporting security operations by providing timely and credible intelligence to help combat criminal activities across the South-East and other parts of the country.