Army says Anambra operation destroyed hideout and recovered weapons

Troops of the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, have destroyed a suspected terrorist hideout in Anambra State and recovered weapons and ammunition, the Nigerian Army said. The operation was conducted by troops of 185 Battalion working with the Anambra Vigilante Group. According to the Army, it followed the abduction of three people near the Osakwa General Area of Ihiala Local Government Area.

The victims were later rescued. The Army said troops arrested a suspected kidnapper, identified as Sunday Obi, during a snap operation on October 1, 2026. Information obtained during interrogation reportedly directed the security forces to a syndicate camp at Abator in Ogbaru Local Government Area, across the Isieke waterside.

Troops used canoes to cross the waterways and reach the location. The Army said they engaged the suspected terrorists, who fled with gunshot wounds. The weapons recovered included two AK-47 rifles with magazines, three pump-action guns and three locally fabricated Dane guns.

Troops also found 62 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 149 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and two cartridges. Other recovered items included materials suspected to be intended for making improvised explosive devices, a solar generator, a power bank, a car battery, two motorcycle batteries, two solar panels and two mobile phones. The Army said the items offered further information about the logistical network supporting kidnapping and other criminal activity in the area.

It said follow-up operations were under way to arrest fleeing suspects, collaborators, suppliers and other facilitators.