Troops of the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA (OPUK), have intensified operations against secessionist agitators, kidnappers and other criminal elements across Imo, Abia and Rivers States, recording the arrest of suspected criminals, recovery of weapons and the rescue of two kidnapped victims.
The Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s ongoing military operations for the period covering 10 to 16 July 2026.
According to the statement, on 12 July 2026, troops arrested a suspected cult member and kidnapper, Vitalis Confidence, following intelligence-led operations.
Acting on information obtained from the suspect, troops conducted a follow-up raid between 12 and 13 July at Ogbogoro community in Obiakpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, where they recovered one assault rifle and 45 rounds of ammunition.
On 14 July, troops raided selected residences at Atan and Uhuru villages in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State, arresting two suspected members of a proscribed secessionist group.
During the operation, troops recovered a pump-action gun and cartridges, further disrupting the activities of the criminal network.
In another operation on the same day, troops on checkpoint duty along the Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway at Asa Community in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State intercepted a truck whose driver had been shot and abandoned by kidnappers attempting to divert the vehicle and two abducted victims to Rivers State.
The troops successfully rescued the two victims, recovered the truck and seized a locally made pistol abandoned by the kidnappers.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to sustaining coordinated operations across the South East to dismantle criminal networks, curb secessionist violence, combat kidnapping and ensure the safety of lives and property across the region.
