Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
Troops of Operation UDO KA have intensified the crackdown on criminal elements in the South-East, raiding a suspected hideout in Rivers State and recovering rifles and ammunition during an intelligence-led operation.
The successful operation, carried out by troops of Sector 4, Joint Task Force South-East, is the latest in a series of offensives aimed at dismantling criminal networks, curbing kidnappings and restoring peace across the region.
Military authorities said the raid was conducted in the early hours of July 23, 2026, at Awara Community Waterside in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area and along the Omoku–Ogbaku–Ndoni axis of Rivers State.
Acting on credible intelligence, the troops stormed a forest enclave believed to have been used by criminal gangs to plan kidnappings and launch attacks on security personnel and innocent residents.
The operation led to the recovery of one Lee-Enfield MK I rifle, one G3 rifle, 116 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition and 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
The military said troops have continued to comb the area to flush out any remaining criminal elements.
It described the recovery as the fourth successful seizure of illegal arms and ammunition by Operation UDO KA troops within the past two weeks, attributing the success to effective intelligence gathering and stronger collaboration between the Nigerian Army, other security agencies and law-abiding citizens.
According to the Army, sustained pressure on criminal groups has significantly weakened their operations and reduced their ability to threaten lives and property in the region.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its determination to sustain aggressive intelligence-driven operations until all criminal hideouts are dismantled and those behind violent crimes are apprehended.
It also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, noting that public cooperation remains crucial to achieving enduring peace and security in the South-East.
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