Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade under Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, on Wednesday, July 1, arrested a suspected key armourer and logistics courier linked to attacks on oil installations and security personnel, recovering a cache of arms and ammunition during an intelligence-led operation in Imo State.

According to the Nigerian Army, the operation was conducted along the Akpe Aggah–Egbema Forest axis following credible intelligence and culminated in the suspect’s arrest at Obiakpu Forest.

Preliminary investigations indicate the suspect allegedly served as the principal armourer for a criminal group responsible for attacks on oil installations and troops deployed in the Ohaji–Egbema area.

Items recovered during the operation include one AK-47 rifle, one M4A1 carbine, one M16A2 rifle, six magazines, five pump-action guns, a locally fabricated pistol and a large quantity of assorted ammunition.

Military authorities described the recovery as a major setback to the group’s operational capability and logistics network, noting that the seizure would significantly disrupt its activities.

The suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing further investigation to facilitate follow-up operations aimed at identifying, apprehending and dismantling other members and collaborators of the criminal network.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements that threaten national security and critical economic assets, while urging members of the public to continue providing timely, credible, and actionable intelligence through established reporting channels.