Troops of the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have neutralised five armed criminals and uncovered an illegal weapons manufacturing facility during operations in Odonget Community, Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The operation, conducted under the operational command of Headquarters 82 Division Nigerian Army, followed a recent ambush on troops who had responded to a distress call stemming from a communal dispute in the area.
Military authorities said the troops launched a series of exploitation operations between March 12 and 13, 2026, carrying out aggressive cordon-and-search missions as well as fighting patrols across identified locations in a bid to track down those responsible for the earlier attack on security personnel.
During the operation on March 13, troops made contact with the armed group within the general area and engaged them in a firefight. Five of the attackers were neutralised, while others escaped.
Subsequent exploitation of the area led to the discovery of an illegal gun manufacturing facility believed to have been used by criminal elements to fabricate weapons used in violent activities within the locality.
A thorough search of the site led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifle magazines, 10 locally fabricated firearms and a toolbox containing equipment used in the production of weapons. The illegal facility was later destroyed to prevent further use by criminal groups.
The Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier General Patrick Alimikhena, who supervised the operation, commended the troops for their courage and professionalism.
He assured residents that the Brigade remains committed to sustaining peace and stability in the area, adding that troops would maintain intensified patrols, surveillance and offensive operations to apprehend fleeing suspects and prevent further security threats.
Alimikhena also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing efforts to rid the area of criminal elements.
