Troops recover firearm, military gear in Imo forest

Nigerian Army troops have uncovered a suspected criminal camp in Imo State, recovering a firearm, military-style uniforms and other items during a raid aimed at dismantling armed groups operating in the South-East.

The operation was carried out by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade under the 82 Division and Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, following intelligence obtained from a suspected logistics supplier and armourer previously arrested by security forces.

According to security sources, the soldiers stormed the hideout located in Obiakpu community, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, on July 3 after advancing through difficult terrain.

The suspects reportedly opened contact with the troops but fled into nearby bushes after being overwhelmed by the soldiers’ superior firepower.

A search of the abandoned camp led to the recovery of a pump-action gun, a woodland camouflage uniform and seven black T-shirts bearing Special Forces inscriptions, along with other items believed to be linked to the group’s activities.

Security sources said efforts were underway to track down the fleeing suspects, while investigations continue to determine the ownership of the recovered items and unravel the activities of the suspected criminal network.

The raid is part of ongoing military operations targeting criminal hideouts and armed groups across the South-East.