Nigerian Army troops have destroyed a suspected terrorist hideout in Anambra State and recovered a cache of firearms and ammunition during a security operation, the military says.
The operation was carried out by troops of the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with the Anambra Vigilante Group, following the abduction of three people around the Osakwa General Area of Ihiala Local Government Area. The victims were subsequently rescued.
According to the Army, troops on 1 October arrested a suspected kidnapper identified as Sunday Obi during a snap operation. Information obtained during interrogation reportedly led security forces to a camp belonging to a criminal syndicate at Abator in Ogbaru Local Government Area, across the Isieke waterside.
The troops subsequently moved to the area by canoe and engaged the suspected terrorists at the hideout. The Army said the suspects fled the scene with gunshot wounds.
Among the items recovered were two AK-47 rifles with magazines, three pump-action guns and three locally fabricated Dane guns. Troops also seized 62 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 149 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and two cartridges.
The military said materials suspected to be used in the fabrication of improvised explosive devices were also found at the camp, alongside a solar generator, power bank, car battery, two motorcycle batteries, two solar panels and two mobile phones.
The Army said the discoveries provided further information about the logistics supporting kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.
It added that follow-up operations were underway to track down the fleeing suspects, their collaborators, logistics suppliers and other facilitators.
The military said Operation UDO KA would continue working with other security agencies and local stakeholders to disrupt criminal networks and improve security across the South-East.
