Nigerian security forces conduct raids, seize weapons and arrest suspects across multiple states

On July 23‑24 2026 the Nigerian Army’s Sector 4 Joint Task Force South‑East (Operation UDO KA) raided a forest hideout in Awara Community Waterside, Ohaji/Egbema, Rivers State, recovering a Lee‑Enfield rifle, a G3 rifle, 116 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition and 13 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition – the fourth weapons seizure in two weeks.

In the north‑east, troops of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, together with the Yobe State hunters, captured five suspected kidnappers in Jegalari Village, Fune LGA, Yobe State, seizing three locally fabricated AK‑47 rifles, a pistol, ammunition and four mobile phones.

Separate operations in Delta State saw police arrest a suspected cult member accused of shooting a former confraternity member and, on the same day, seize 22 drug‑related suspects while rescuing two minors from a drug den in the Ozoro‑Abraka area.

Ogun State police detained 16 people on charges ranging from illegal diesel bunkering to defilement and vandalism, and recovered drums of fuel, a pumping machine and other equipment.

Bandits attacked villages in Kaduna State, killing 13 people—including a one‑year‑old child—and burning 56 houses and 16 motorcycles.

All operations were described as intelligence‑led and part of a sustained national campaign against kidnapping, banditry, cult violence and illicit drug trafficking.