Troops of 34 Artillery Brigade under Joint Task Force (JTF) South East (SE) Operation UDO KA have dealt a significant blow to criminal elements operating in the South East by arresting a suspected key armourer and logistics courier linked to attacks on oil installations and security forces, while recovering a substantial cache of arms and ammunition during an intelligence-led operation in Imo State.
The military authorities announced this in a statement issued on Friday via the Army’s Official X handle (@HQNigerianArmy/X)..
The Army said its troops acting on credible intelligence, conducted a deliberate search and raid operation along the Akpe Aggah–Egbema Forest axis in the early hours of 1 July 2026, leading to the arrest of a suspected armourer and logistics kingpin at Obiakpu Forest.
It said: “Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect served as the principal armourer for the criminal group responsible for attacks against oil installations and troops deployed in the Ohaji–Egbema area.
“The operation led to the recovery of a significant cache of weapons and ammunition, including one AK-47 rifle, one M4A1 carbine, one M16A2 rifle, six magazines, five pump-action guns, a locally fabricated pistol and a large quantity of assorted ammunition. The recovery represents a major disruption to the group’s operational capability and logistics chain.
It said the suspect is currently in custody and will undergo further investigation to facilitate follow-on operations aimed at identifying, apprehending and dismantling other members and collaborators of the criminal network.
The Nigerian Army reassured citizens of its relentless resolve to sustain aggressive operations against all criminal elements threatening national security and economic assets. Members of the public are encouraged to continue supporting ongoing operations by providing timely, credible and actionable information through established security channels.
