Troops Arrest Four Suspected Arms Couriers in Ebonyi Sting Operation

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation UDO KA have arrested four suspected arms couriers during an intelligence-led sting operation in Ebonyi State as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal arms trafficking networks in the South-East.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 11:50 a.m. on July 1 by troops of the 82 Division Garrison in conjunction with the Provost Group and Sector 2 of Operation UDO KA.

According to the sources, the operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected arms dealers operating within the Ebonyi metropolis.

The troops subsequently conducted a coordinated sting and follow-up operation, leading to the arrest of four suspects believed to be involved in the illicit movement and distribution of arms.

The identities of the suspects were not immediately disclosed, while preliminary investigations are ongoing to establish the extent of their involvement and identify other members of the suspected network.

The suspects are currently in military custody and are undergoing further interrogation ahead of possible prosecution.

Security sources said the arrest forms part of sustained intelligence-driven operations by Operation UDO KA aimed at disrupting the supply of illegal weapons to criminal elements and improving security across the South-East.

They added that efforts are ongoing to uncover the suspects’ associates and trace the source as well as intended destination of the arms linked to the network.

Troops Arrest Four Suspected Arms Couriers in Ebonyi Sting Operation

COAS Welfare Flight Airlifts 348 Personnel, Total Beneficiaries Reach 33,774

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) has continued to strengthen personnel welfare and operational efficiency with the successful conduct of the first welfare flight for July 2026, facilitating the movement of hundreds of military personnel into and out of the North East theatre of operations.

Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the welfare flight was conducted on July 2 using a chartered ValueJet aircraft as part of the Nigerian Army’s sustained welfare initiative designed to ease the movement of troops serving under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).

According to the sources, a total of 174 personnel were airlifted into the theatre, while another 174 personnel were transported out, bringing the total number of beneficiaries on the flight to 348.

The sources disclosed that the movement was completed without any operational or logistical challenges.

They added that with the latest rotation, the cumulative number of military personnel transported into and out of the Operation HADIN KAI theatre under the COAS Welfare Flight Initiative has risen to 33,774.

The welfare flight programme, introduced by the Chief of Army Staff, is aimed at improving the welfare of troops by providing safe, timely and efficient transportation for personnel proceeding on leave, returning from leave, or rotating in and out of operational deployments.

Military authorities have consistently described the initiative as one of the key welfare interventions designed to boost troop morale, reduce the burden of long-distance road travel and enhance operational readiness in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign in the North East.

The hitch-free execution of the latest flight further underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining personnel welfare while maintaining the operational tempo of troops engaged in the fight against terrorism and other security threats across the theatre.

COAS Welfare Flight Airlifts 348 Personnel, Total Beneficiaries Reach 33,774

Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle in Raid on Suspected Gunrunners’ Hideout in Taraba

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation MESA have recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during a raid on a suspected gunrunners’ hideout in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 12:15 a.m. on June 30 by troops of the 20 Model Battalion deployed in Gassol, in collaboration with a team from the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

The sources said the joint team conducted the intelligence-led raid on a suspected gunrunners’ hideout at Kwatan Nanido Village following credible information on illegal arms activities in the area.

Although no suspect was arrested during the operation, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition abandoned at the location.

The recovered items have been taken into military custody for further investigation and necessary action.

Security sources said efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend members of the suspected gunrunning syndicate as operations continue to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and enhance security across the state.

Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle in Raid on Suspected Gunrunners’ Hideout in Taraba