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

Nigerian troops operating under Operation Udoka in the South-East have achieved significant breakthroughs, compelling several militant group members to surrender their arms. This development follows sustained military operations by the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South-East, highlighting the effectiveness of an integrated kinetic and non-kinetic strategy aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring peace to the region.

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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 Nigerian Army reported that the pressure exerted by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, coupled with recent arrests of suspects linked to a soldier's killing, pushed militants in Egbema and its environs to voluntarily lay down their weapons. One suspect's disclosure led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 54 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and four locally fabricated firearms.

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

In a parallel operation, troops from Sector 5 of Operation Udo Ka, acting on intelligence, recovered two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), 45 rounds of 7.62mm x 51 ammunition, and an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The Army stated these recoveries further degrade the capacity of criminal elements to threaten public safety.

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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 surrender of arms is seen as evidence that sustained operational pressure, combined with strategic engagements and inter-agency collaboration, is compelling criminal elements to abandon violence. The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining operational momentum until all criminal networks are dismantled and enduring peace is restored. The public is urged to continue providing credible information, as support remains vital to sustaining security gains.

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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.