Operation UDO KA troops have rescued eight kidnap victims handed over by Cameroonian forces and arrested a suspected gunrunner with 245 ammunition in Cross River State.
Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation UDO KA have recorded another significant success in ongoing security efforts across the South-East and adjoining border areas, following the rescue of eight kidnapped travellers and the arrest of a suspected gunrunner in Cross River State.
The latest operations were carried out by personnel of the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South-East in collaboration with the Cameroonian Armed Forces and local intelligence networks.
The military disclosed these developments in a security update outlining activities within its Area of Responsibility as of January 20, 2026.
According to the report, soldiers of the 13 Brigade were on routine patrol along the Ikang waterways when they received the rescued victims at about 6:16 p.m. on January 18.
The handover took place around the Pastors Fishing Port general area, a strategic riverine corridor linking Nigeria and Cameroon.
Preliminary findings revealed that the victims had been travelling from Nigeria to Cameroon when they were intercepted and abducted by suspected sea pirates operating along the Cameroon waterways.
The pirates reportedly engaged in violent activities in the area before being confronted by Cameroonian security forces.
A gun battle ensued, forcing the criminals to flee and enabling the successful rescue of the captives.
Following their release, the victims were safely conveyed to a Forward Operating Base (FOB) operated by Nigerian troops under Operation UDO KA.
There, they underwent standard security debriefing procedures to gather intelligence that could aid future operations against trans-border criminal networks.
After medical checks and documentation, the victims were released and reunited with their families.
Military authorities described the seamless collaboration between Nigerian and Cameroonian forces as a critical factor in the successful rescue, noting that cross-border crimes such as kidnapping, piracy, and arms trafficking require coordinated regional responses.
In a separate but related operation, troops of the same 13 Brigade recorded another breakthrough with the arrest of a suspected gunrunner in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The arrest was carried out at about 8:00 a.m. on January 20 following credible intelligence received by the unit.
The suspect, identified as Mr. Ojo Friday, was apprehended during a targeted operation and found in possession of 245 ammunition cartridges.
Military sources disclosed that the suspect hails from Ochon community in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State but currently resides in Abomege, Ebonyi State.
Investigators believe he may be part of a wider arms supply chain fueling criminal activities across parts of the South-East and South-South regions.
Security analysts say the arrest underscores the increasing effectiveness of intelligence-led operations under Operation UDO KA, particularly in disrupting the movement of illegal arms that often end up in the hands of kidnappers, militants, and other criminal groups.
The suspect and recovered ammunition are currently in military custody, while preliminary investigations continue to determine the source and intended destination of the weapons.
The army said further arrests may follow as operations expand based on information obtained from the suspect.
The Nigerian Army reiterated that the successes recorded in Cross River State align with the broader mandate of Operation UDO KA, which was launched to restore peace, curb violent crimes, and protect critical infrastructure across the South-East and surrounding border communities.
Military commanders stressed that riverine areas, border routes, and remote communities remain under close surveillance, as criminal groups increasingly exploit difficult terrains to evade security forces.
Troops, they said, have intensified patrols, joint operations, and community engagement to close these gaps.
Residents of the affected areas have been urged to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information.
The army noted that local intelligence remains vital in countering crimes such as kidnapping, piracy, arms trafficking, and banditry.
The high command of the Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining momentum under Operation UDO KA, assuring citizens that operations will not relent until criminal networks are dismantled and lasting peace is achieved across the region.
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