Military operatives storm notorious criminal den in Rivers, seize cache of weapons

The Nigerian Army carried out a targeted operation in Rivers State, specifically in a forest enclave at Awara Community Waterside in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, where troops of Sector 4, Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, seized arms and ammunition from a suspected criminal hideout on July 23, 2026.

n

This intelligence-led operation, conducted along the Omoku–Ogbaku–Ndoni axis of Rivers State, was aimed at dismantling the hideout, which was allegedly used by criminals to plan kidnappings and launch attacks against security personnel and civilians.

n

According to the Nigerian Army, the operation is part of its broader efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace across the region, with the goal of denying safe havens to criminal elements.

n

In a statement released on its X handle on Friday, the Army explained that the operation was launched after receiving credible intelligence, which led troops to raid the forest enclave suspected of being used by criminal elements as a staging base for planning kidnappings and launching attacks.

n

Detailed findings from the operation revealed the recovery of one Lee-Enfield MK I rifle, one G3 rifle, 116 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, and 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, further highlighting the success of the intelligence-driven operation.

n

The Army noted that this operation marks the fourth successful seizure of illegal arms and ammunition by troops within the last two weeks, underscoring the effectiveness of its intelligence-driven approach.

n

The military emphasized that the sustained offensive has significantly weakened the ability of criminal groups to operate freely, stressing the importance of cooperation between security agencies and members of the public in achieving this goal.

n

The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to sustaining aggressive and intelligence-led operations in collaboration with other security agencies until all criminal elements are brought to justice and denied safe havens.

n

The Army urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations across the South-East and the country, highlighting the crucial role of public cooperation in achieving lasting security.