The Nigerian Army has recorded another significant operational breakthrough in the South East as sustained offensive operations by troops of 82 Division/Joint Task Force South East, Operation Udo Ka (OPUK), compelled members of a militant group to voluntarily surrender arms even as troops recovered additional weapons and an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

In a statement on Sunday, the Nigerian Army said that the breakthrough followed sustained operational pressure mounted by troops of 34 Artillery Brigade and the recent arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a soldier.

The Army said that unable to withstand the relentless offensive, members of the militant group operating within Egbema and its environs voluntarily surrendered their weapons, while one of the suspects who disclosed the location where the group’s weapons were concealed led security team to exhume the site.

The statement said the latest successes further underscored the effectiveness of the Nigerian Army’s integrated kinetic and non-kinetic approach in dismantling criminal networks and restoring lasting peace and security across the region.

“Items recovered include one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 54 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammunition and four locally fabricated firearms.”

In a related development, according to the statement, troops of Sector 5 OPUK, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a follow-up operation that led to the successful recovery of two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), 45 rounds of 7.62 mm x 51 ammunition and one Improvised Explosive Device (IED), further denying criminal elements the capability to threaten public safety and security in the region.

“The Nigerian Army assesses the voluntary surrender of arms as clear evidence that sustained operational pressure, reinforced by strategic engagement initiatives and collaboration with other security agencies, is yielding tangible results by compelling criminal elements to abandon violence and renounce their criminal activities.

“The Army remains resolute in sustaining the current operational momentum until all criminal networks are dismantled and enduring peace and stability are fully restored across the South East.”

The Army reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting the lives and property of all citizens through intelligence-driven operations conducted in close collaboration with other security agencies and critical stakeholders.

It urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, as public support remains indispensable to sustaining operational successes and strengthening national security.