The Nigerian Army has raided a suspected criminal hideout in Rivers State, recovering arms and ammunition during an intelligence-led operation carried out by troops of Sector 4, Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA.

The operation, conducted 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 of Rivers State.

According to the Nigerian Army, the hideout was suspected to have been used by criminal elements as a base for planning kidnappings and launching attacks against security personnel and civilians.

In a statement shared on its X handle on Friday, the Army said the operation was part of its ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace across 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 the operation remains ongoing, adding that troops are working to completely clear the area of criminal activities.

“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 said the sustained offensive has weakened the ability of criminal groups to operate freely, while stressing the importance of cooperation between security agencies and members of the public.

“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 urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations across the South-East and the country. (Punch News)

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