South-East security: Militants surrender arms as troops recover weapons

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By Kingsley Omonobi

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Following sustained military operations by troops of the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South-East, Operation Udoka, several members of militant groups have surrendered their arms, while intelligence-led operations have led to the recovery of additional weapons and an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

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The Nigerian Army, in a statement on Sunday, said the development highlights the effectiveness of its integrated kinetic and non-kinetic approach towards dismantling criminal networks and restoring peace across the region.

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According to the statement, the breakthrough followed sustained pressure by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade and the recent arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a soldier.

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“Unable to withstand the relentless military offensive, members of a militant group operating within Egbema and its environs voluntarily began surrendering their weapons,” the Army said.

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It added that one of the suspects disclosed the location where the group’s weapons were concealed, leading security operatives to recover the arms.

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Items recovered included one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 54 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and four locally fabricated firearms.

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In a related development, troops of Sector 5, Operation Udo Ka, acting on credible intelligence, recovered two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), 45 rounds of 7.62mm x 51 ammunition and one IED.

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The Army said the recovery had further degraded the capacity of criminal elements to threaten public safety in the region.

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It described the surrender of arms as evidence that sustained operational pressure, supported by strategic engagements and collaboration with other security agencies, was compelling criminal elements to abandon violence.

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“The Nigerian 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 added.

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The Army reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and safeguarding the lives and property of citizens through intelligence-driven operations conducted in collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders.

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It urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies, noting that public support remains vital to sustaining security gains.

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