Troops Recover Rifles, Ammunition in Raid on Criminal Hideout Along Rivers–Imo Border

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation UDO KA have recovered two rifles and a cache of ammunition during a raid on a criminal hideout in the Ohaji/Egbema area as part of ongoing operations to dismantle kidnapping gangs and armed groups operating along the Rivers–Imo border.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 3:00 a.m. on July 23 by troops of Sector 4, Operation UDO KA (34 Artillery Brigade) following actionable human intelligence.

The sources said the troops stormed a forest hideout located at Awara Community Waterside in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, along the Omoku–Ogbaku–Ndoni axis.

During the raid, troops recovered one Lee-Enfield Mk I rifle, one G3 rifle, 116 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition and 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

According to the sources, the weapons and ammunition were concealed in a camp used by criminal elements involved in kidnapping and attacks on security personnel operating in the area.

The hideout was thoroughly searched, but no additional weapons or incriminating items were found. The recovered arms and ammunition have been taken into the custody of the 34 Artillery Brigade for further investigation.

Military sources said the latest recovery is part of sustained “strangulation operations” launched after recent attacks on security forces in Ohaji/Egbema.

They disclosed that the operation marks the fourth major arms recovery in the area within the past two weeks, underscoring the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-driven raids targeting criminal enclaves.

The sources added that troops will continue offensive operations and mopping-up exercises until all criminal elements are apprehended and lasting peace is restored to the affected communities.