Troops Arrest Suspected Armourer, Seize Large Weapons Cache in Major Blow to Criminal Network in Imo
Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade under the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, have recorded a major breakthrough against criminal elements operating in the South-East with the arrest of a suspected armourer and logistics courier linked to attacks on oil installations and security personnel in Imo State.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of July 1, 2026, followed actionable intelligence that led troops to conduct a targeted raid along the Akpe Aggah–Egbema Forest axis. During the operation, security forces apprehended the suspect at Obiakpu Forest.
Preliminary investigations identified the suspect as the alleged principal armourer for a criminal network believed to be responsible for a series of attacks on oil facilities and troops deployed in the Ohaji–Egbema area.
During the raid, troops recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition, including an AK-47 rifle, an M4A1 carbine, an M16A2 rifle, six magazines, five pump-action guns, a locally fabricated pistol, and a large quantity of assorted ammunition. The military said the seizure significantly weakens the group's operational capability and logistics network.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing further investigation to aid follow-up operations aimed at identifying and apprehending other members and collaborators of the criminal syndicate.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive, intelligence-driven operations against criminal groups threatening national security and critical economic infrastructure. It also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely, credible, and actionable intelligence through established reporting channels.
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