Troops of the 13 Brigade Nigerian Army have neutralised five armed criminals and uncovered a sophisticated illegal weapons manufacturing plant in the Odonget Community of Obubra Local Government Area.
The operation, which took place between March 12 and 13, 2026, was launched as a direct response to a recent ambush on security personnel who were intervening in a local communal dispute.
The military exploitation reached a climax on Friday when troops engaged a group of armed miscreants in a fierce firefight. While five of the attackers were killed during the exchange, several others escaped into the surrounding forest with gunshot wounds.
Upon clearing the area, soldiers discovered a hidden facility dedicated to the fabrication of illegal firearms. A search of the site yielded three AK-47 rifle magazines, ten locally fabricated weapons, and specialised toolboxes containing equipment for weapon assembly. The army confirmed that the site was immediately destroyed to ensure it could no longer serve as a logistical hub for violent activities in the region.
Brigadier General Patrick Alimikhena, Commander of the 13 Brigade, personally supervised the operation. Speaking on the success of the mission, Alimikhena praised the resilience of his men while issuing a stern warning to remnants of the criminal group.
“The Brigade remains fully committed to maintaining peace and stability in this area,” Brigadier General Alimikhena stated. “We will sustain aggressive operations, heightened surveillance, and continuous patrols to track down fleeing criminal elements and prevent any further threat to law-abiding citizens.”
In a statement released by Major Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, the military urged residents to stay vigilant and cooperate with security forces to ensure long-term safety in Cross River State.
“Members of the public are encouraged to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that can assist ongoing efforts to rid the area of criminal elements,” Sokoya said.
The Nigerian Army has vowed to maintain its presence in the Obubra axis until the perpetrators of the initial ambush are fully brought to justice. #Securitynewsalert.com
