By Samuel Ike, Abuja

The Nigerian Army has recorded another major operational success in the South-East, with sustained military operations compelling members of a militant group to surrender their weapons, while separate intelligence-led missions led to the recovery of additional arms and an improvised explosive device (IED).

The development is being viewed as a significant boost to ongoing efforts by troops of the 82 Division and the Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA (OPUK), to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace and stability across the region.

According to the Army, the breakthrough followed sustained pressure mounted by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, coupled with the recent arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a soldier. Faced with relentless military operations, members of a militant group operating in Egbema and surrounding communities reportedly began voluntarily surrendering their weapons.

One of the suspects, who cooperated with security operatives, led troops to a location where the group’s weapons had been concealed. During the operation, security personnel recovered 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 of Operation UDO KA, acting on credible intelligence, carried out a follow-up mission 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.

Military authorities said the recovery of the weapons and explosive device has further weakened the operational capability of criminal elements and reduced their capacity to threaten lives and property in the region.

The Army described the voluntary surrender of arms by the militants as a clear indication that its sustained kinetic and non-kinetic operations are producing positive results. It noted that continuous military pressure, strategic community engagements, and collaboration with other security agencies are forcing criminal groups to abandon violence and renounce their activities.

According to the Army, the latest achievements reinforce the effectiveness of its multidimensional approach to combating insecurity in the South-East and demonstrate growing success in disrupting the activities of armed groups operating in the region.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining ongoing operations until all criminal networks are dismantled and lasting peace is restored across the South-East.

It also pledged to continue intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with other security agencies and key stakeholders to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and protect the lives and property of citizens.

The Army further appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security efforts by providing timely and credible information, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to achieving enduring security and maintaining the momentum of ongoing operations.