Troops of the Nigerian Army, operating under Operation UDO KA, have dismantled a suspected militant camp in the Ugwunagbo Local Government Area of Abia State, following a coordinated operation based on actionable intelligence.
The early morning raid on Thursday, May 23, targeted a camp located in the Ebubengwa/Abayi Nchokoro community. According to a report from the 144 Battalion (Rear), the operation involved six platoons—each comprising 49 soldiers—supported by an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), a gun truck, and six Hilux vehicles.
During the operation, troops engaged and overpowered the armed occupants, successfully dismantling the camp. Recovered items included one Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG), one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), four AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, three pump-action shotguns, and over 1,400 rounds of various ammunition.
Also seized were laptops, mobile phones, CCTV equipment, external hard drives, ritual garments, food supplies, ₦11.75 million in cash, and $27,000. Additional items recovered included two power generators and a Wi-Fi router.
Troops also destroyed a large shrine reportedly used by the militants for spiritual protection. Several vehicles and motorcycles found at the site were either seized or destroyed, including three SUVs, two buses, a tricycle, and two motorcycles.
The militants fled under heavy fire, leaving blood trails behind. While the number of casualties on the attackers’ side is unknown, the Army confirmed one soldier was killed and two others injured. The deceased was transferred to the Federal Medical Centre in Umuahia, while the injured are being treated in Aba and are in stable condition.
During the engagement, troops fired a total of 630 rounds of 7.62mm special and 235 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition. The area is now under Army control, with regular patrols ongoing to ensure continued security and prevent further militant activity.
