Operation UDOKA: Troops Recover Stolen Military Rifles, Arrest

Troops of Operation UDOKA have scored a major breakthrough in the South-East security campaign, arresting key members of a criminal syndicate linked to the deadly ambush that killed a Nigerian soldier and recovering stolen military weapons during coordinated operations in Delta and Rivers states.

Key Highlights

• Three key suspects arrested over deadly May 2026 ambush on troops.
• Troops recover stolen AK-47 and FN service rifles.
• Additional assault rifles, pistols and ammunition seized.
• Military uniforms, protective gear and mobile phones recovered.
• Operation conducted across Delta and Rivers states.

Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, operating under Operation UDOKA as part of Operation EASTERN SANITY II, arrested three suspected members of a notorious criminal syndicate accused of attacking troops on May 4, 2026.

The ambush claimed the life of one soldier and left another seriously injured after the attackers made away with military weapons.

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According to the Nigerian Army, sustained intelligence-led operations led troops to the suspects, identified as Chiboy, Marathon and Onowu, who had fled to Oleh, Delta State, after the attack.

The operation, carried out in collaboration with troops of 181 Battalion under 63 Brigade, involved coordinated raids in Opaebe and Oleh during the early hours of July 31, 2026.

Following their arrest, the suspects reportedly led security operatives to hideouts at Aggah Plantation, Ekpeaggah, Rivers State, and Umudike Plantation, where stolen military weapons and other arms were concealed.

The operation resulted in the recovery of the stolen service weapons, including:
One AK-47 rifle with two magazines.
One FN rifle with two magazines.
Troops also recovered:
Three additional AK-47 rifles with nine magazines.
Pistols and magazines.
194 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
45 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.

Military camouflage uniforms, jungle hats, a fragment protection jacket, an empty first aid box and five mobile phones believed to be linked to the syndicate’s activities were also recovered.

The Nigerian Army said the suspects are in custody and will face prosecution after investigations.

The Headquarters Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDOKA, commended the professionalism and resilience of the troops, stating that the successful operation demonstrates the Armed Forces’ determination to dismantle criminal networks and sustain ongoing peace-building efforts across the South-East.