The Nigerian Army has recorded another operational success in the South-East, with members of a militant group voluntarily surrendering arms following sustained military offensives.

The troops also recovered additional weapons and an improvised explosive device (IED) during separate intelligence-led operations.

The Army said the development reflects the impact of ongoing operations by troops of the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring peace across the region.

According to the military, the breakthrough followed sustained operational pressure mounted by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, as well as the recent arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a soldier.

Unable to withstand the intensified offensive, members of the militant group operating in Egbema and surrounding communities reportedly began surrendering their weapons voluntarily.

The Army disclosed that one of the arrested suspects led security operatives to a concealed weapons cache after revealing its location.

Items recovered from the hideout included one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 54 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and four locally fabricated firearms.

In a separate operation, troops of Sector 5, Operation UDO KA, acting on credible intelligence, recovered two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), 45 rounds of 7.62mm x 51 ammunition and one improvised explosive device (IED), further denying criminal elements the means to carry out attacks.

The Nigerian Army described the voluntary surrender of arms as evidence that sustained military pressure, combined with strategic community engagement and collaboration with other security agencies, is compelling criminal groups to abandon violence.

It reaffirmed its determination to sustain the ongoing offensive until all criminal networks are dismantled and lasting peace is restored across the South-East.

The Army also reiterated its commitment to protecting the nation's sovereignty and safeguarding lives and property through intelligence-driven operations conducted in collaboration with other security agencies and critical stakeholders.

It appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that public support remains vital to consolidating operational gains and strengthening national security.