Soldiers Recover Weapons in Rivers Hideout Raid

The Nigerian Army says its troops have recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition during an intelligence-led operation targeting a suspected criminal hideout in Rivers State. The operation was carried out by troops of Sector 4, Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in the region.

According to the Army, the raid took place in the early hours of July 23, 2026, at a forest hideout located around Awara Community Waterside in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, along the Omoku-Ogbaku-Ndoni axis. Acting on credible intelligence, the troops stormed the camp, which was allegedly being used by criminal elements to plan kidnappings and attacks on security personnel and civilians.

During the operation, soldiers recovered one Lee-Enfield MK I rifle, one G3 rifle, 116 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, and 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. The Army said troops are continuing clearance operations in the area to eliminate criminal activities and prevent the hideout from being reused.

The Army noted that the latest recovery marks the fourth successful seizure of illegal arms and ammunition by its troops within the past two weeks, attributing the successes to intelligence-driven operations and improved collaboration with other security agencies and members of the public. It urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support efforts aimed at improving security in the South-East and adjoining areas.