The Nigerian Army has announced that suspected militants operating in parts of the South-East have begun surrendering their weapons following sustained military operations by troops of the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA (OPUK).
The Army disclosed this in a statement shared on its verified X handle on Sunday, noting that separate intelligence-driven operations also led to the recovery of additional firearms and an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
According to the military, the latest developments highlight the effectiveness of its combined kinetic and non-kinetic strategy aimed at dismantling criminal groups and restoring peace across the region.
The Army explained that the breakthrough followed intensified operations by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, as well as the recent arrest of suspects allegedly linked to the killing of a soldier.
It stated that the sustained military pressure forced members of a militant group operating in Egbema and surrounding communities to voluntarily surrender their weapons.
According to the statement, one of the arrested suspects later led security operatives to a location where members of the group had concealed their arms.
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The recovered items included one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 54 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and four locally fabricated firearms.
In a separate operation, troops of Sector 5, Operation UDO KA, acting on credible intelligence, carried out a follow-up raid that resulted in the recovery of two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), 45 rounds of 7.62mm x 51 ammunition, and one Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
The Army said the operation further weakened the operational capacity of criminal elements and prevented them from carrying out attacks capable of threatening lives and property in the South-East.
It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining ongoing security operations across the region until lasting peace and stability are achieved.