Criminal Hideout in Rivers – The Trumpet Newspaper Nigeria

Troops of Sector 4, Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, have uncovered a criminal hideout in Rivers and recovered weapons and ammunition during a coordinated intelligence-led operation aimed at dismantling armed criminal networks operating in the region.

Key Highlights:

• Troops raid suspected criminal hideout in Rivers during intelligence-led operation.
• Weapons, rifles and ammunition recovered from forest camp.
• Military says hideout was used to plan kidnappings and attacks.
• Operation UDO KA records fourth major arms recovery in two weeks.
• Security forces intensify clearance operations to flush out fleeing suspects.

The operation, conducted in the early hours of July 23, 2026, targeted a forest hideout located at Awara Community Waterside in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area and along the Omoku–Ogbaku–Ndoni axis.

According to the Nigerian Army, intelligence reports indicated that the location served as an operational base for criminal gangs allegedly involved in planning kidnappings and launching attacks on security personnel and innocent civilians.

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During the raid, troops 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 follow-up clearance operations are ongoing to track down fleeing suspects and dismantle any remaining criminal infrastructure within the area.

Military authorities described the latest operation as the fourth successful seizure of illegal arms and ammunition by Operation UDO KA within the past two weeks, attributing the achievements to intelligence-driven operations and stronger collaboration with other security agencies and members of the public.

The Army added that sustained military offensives have continued to weaken criminal networks and reduce their operational capacity across the South-East and adjoining areas.

Reaffirming its commitment to restoring peace and security, the Army said Operation UDO KA would sustain intelligence-led operations until criminal groups are dismantled and those responsible are brought to justice.

The military also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible and timely intelligence capable of preventing criminal activities and enhancing public safety.