Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade under the Joint Task Force South-East (Operation UDO KA) have recorded a major operational breakthrough with the arrest of a suspected armourer and logistics courier linked to attacks on oil installations and security personnel, while recovering a large cache of arms and ammunition during an intelligence-led operation in Imo State.
The Nigerian Army said the operation dealt a significant blow to the logistics network of criminal elements operating in the Ohaji–Egbema axis and further weakened their operational capability.
According to military authorities, the operation was conducted in the early hours of July 1, 2026, following credible intelligence that led troops to carry out a deliberate search-and-raid mission along the Akpe Aggah–Egbema Forest corridor.
The operation culminated in the arrest of the suspect at Obiakpu Forest, where he is believed to have coordinated the movement and supply of weapons for the criminal group.
Preliminary investigations identified the suspect as the principal armourer for a gang allegedly responsible for a series of attacks on oil installations and troops deployed in the Ohaji–Egbema area of Imo State.
During the raid, troops recovered a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition, including one AK-47 rifle, one M4A1 carbine, one M16A2 rifle, six rifle magazines, five pump-action guns, a locally fabricated pistol and a large quantity of assorted ammunition.
Military authorities described the seizure as a major disruption of the group’s logistics chain, noting that the recovery of the weapons would significantly degrade its ability to carry out further attacks.
The arrested suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing further interrogation to provide intelligence that will support follow-up operations aimed at identifying, apprehending and dismantling other members and collaborators of the criminal network.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives, critical national infrastructure and economic assets, the Nigerian Army said it would sustain aggressive intelligence-driven operations against criminal elements across the South-East.
The Army also urged members of the public to continue supporting ongoing security operations by providing timely, credible and actionable intelligence through established security channels, stressing that community cooperation remains vital to efforts to restore lasting peace and security in the region.
