Troops Raid Criminal Hideout in Imo, Recover Weapon, Military Items
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under the 82 Division and Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA (OPUK), have raided a suspected criminal hideout in Imo State, recovering a pump-action gun, military-style clothing and other items.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation followed intelligence obtained from a suspected logistics courier and armourer arrested earlier by troops.
According to the sources, the intelligence-led follow-up operation was conducted on July 3 by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, who advanced through difficult terrain to a suspected criminal hideout in Obiakpu Community, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
The sources said the troops came under contact with the suspects upon arrival, but the criminals fled into the surrounding area after encountering superior firepower from the soldiers.
A subsequent search of the hideout led to the recovery of one pump-action gun, one woodland camouflage uniform and seven black Special Forces-branded T-shirts, alongside other miscellaneous items.
The sources added that efforts were ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while investigations into the recovered items and the activities of the criminal network continue.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces to dismantle criminal hideouts and disrupt the activities of armed groups operating in the South-East.
