Troops of the Nigerian Army have raided a suspected criminal camp in Abator, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, recovering firearms, ammunition and materials suspected to be linked to improvised explosive device (IED) production.
The operation, conducted on October 1, followed the rescue of three persons abducted in the Osakwa General Area of Ihiala Local Government Area.
According to security sources, troops of 185 Battalion, working with local security volunteers, arrested a suspected member of the kidnapping syndicate, identified as Sunday Obi, during a follow-up operation at about 5:30 a.m.
The suspect reportedly disclosed the location of the group’s camp at Abator, across the Isieke waterside in Ogbaru.
Acting on the intelligence, the troops mobilised canoes and crossed the waterways before advancing through the difficult forest terrain towards the suspected hideout.
The troops subsequently engaged the suspected criminals, who reportedly fled into the surrounding area, with some believed to have sustained gunshot wounds.
Recovered from the camp were two AK-47 rifles with magazines, three pump-action guns, three locally fabricated dane guns, 62 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 149 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and two cartridges.
Other items recovered included suspected IED-making materials, a solar generator, power bank, car battery, two motorcycle batteries, two solar panels and two mobile phones.
The recovery is expected to support further investigations into the activities, logistics and possible supply networks of the suspected criminal group.
Security sources said the operation highlighted the challenges faced by security forces in tackling armed groups operating from remote forests and waterways, which provide concealment and escape routes.
The Army is expected to sustain follow-up operations aimed at tracking the fleeing suspects and identifying other individuals allegedly involved in the network.
