The Nigerian Army has announced fresh operational gains in the South-East, saying sustained military offensives under Operation UDO KA have compelled suspected members of a militant group to surrender weapons, while intelligence-led operations led to the recovery of additional firearms and an improvised explosive device (IED).
The development was disclosed in a statement published on the Nigerian Army’s official X account on Sunday. According to the military, the latest breakthroughs were recorded by troops of the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA (OPUK) and reflect the effectiveness of its ongoing campaign against criminal groups operating across the region.
The South-East has experienced prolonged security challenges in recent years, including attacks on security personnel, public infrastructure and civilians. In response, the military launched Operation UDO KA as part of broader efforts to dismantle armed groups, restore public confidence and improve security across the five South-East states.
According to the Army, the latest operation followed sustained pressure mounted by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade as well as the recent arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a soldier.
The Army said the continued military offensive forced members of a militant group operating around Egbema and neighbouring communities to voluntarily surrender their weapons.
One suspect reportedly led security personnel to a concealed weapons dump where troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 54 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and four locally fabricated firearms.
In a separate intelligence-led operation, troops attached to Sector 5 of Operation UDO KA recovered two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), 45 rounds of 7.62mm x 51 ammunition and one improvised explosive device.
The Army said the recoveries demonstrate that sustained military pressure, intelligence-led operations and collaboration with other security agencies are weakening criminal networks in the region.
It reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining operational momentum until criminal groups are dismantled and lasting peace is restored across the South-East.
The military also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing operations.
