By Sabiu Abdullahi
Nigerian Army troops have recovered four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of ammunition from a forest in Enugu State.
The weapons were reportedly linked to a kidnapping syndicate that has been operating across Enugu, Abia, Anambra and neighbouring states.
The recovery was carried out on Monday, August 10, at Umuchingu Ujenike Forest by personnel from the 82 Division Garrison and 103 Battalion of the Nigerian Army.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the troops located the weapons after some suspected members of the kidnapping group who had earlier been arrested provided information about the location of the hideout.
The operation followed the rescue of two kidnap victims as well as the arrest of a logistics supplier and two suspected leaders of the criminal network.
The recovered items included four AK-47 rifles, seven AK-47 magazines and 133 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The latest operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces to dismantle criminal networks operating in forests and communities across the region.
On July 31, a joint military operation rescued Ofor Amobi, a senior army officer, and Ikechukwu Onwuanra, a civilian, after a 10-day search for them across forests and communities in Enugu State.
During that operation, troops searched Inyi, Awlaw and Akpugo-Eze forests as well as surrounding communities in Oji River Local Government Area of the state.
Earlier in June, soldiers, in partnership with operatives of the Department of State Services, also raided suspected armouries linked to the Eastern Security Network in Enugu State.
