Army Storms Suspected Criminal Camp in Rivers, Seizes Weapons, Ammunition
Intelligence-led operation targets forest hideout linked to kidnappings and attacks on security personnel
The Nigerian Army has recovered arms and ammunition after troops raided a suspected criminal hideout in Rivers State during an intelligence-led operation under Operation UDO KA.
The raid was carried out on July 23, 2026, by troops of Sector 4, Joint Task Force South-East, who stormed a forest enclave located at Awara Community Waterside in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area and along the Omoku–Ogbaku–Ndoni corridor.
According to the Army, the location had allegedly been used by criminal elements as a base for coordinating kidnapping operations and launching attacks on security personnel and civilians.
In a statement posted on its official X account on Friday, the military said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and strengthen security across the region.
The statement noted that the troops acted on credible intelligence before moving into the forest camp believed to be a major operational base for armed criminals.
During the operation, soldiers 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 clearance operations are still ongoing as troops continue to comb the area to flush out criminal elements and deny them safe havens.
It added that the latest operation marked the fourth successful recovery of illegal firearms and ammunition by troops within the past two weeks, describing the development as further proof of the effectiveness of intelligence-driven military operations.
The military also stated that its sustained offensives have continued to reduce the operational capacity of criminal groups, while emphasising the need for continued collaboration 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,” the statement said.
The Army further urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information that would assist ongoing security operations across the South-East and other parts of the country.
