Troops of the Nigerian Army under the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army have neutralised five armed criminals and uncovered an illegal gun manufacturing factory in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The operation was carried out by troops of the 13 Brigade Nigerian Army during a follow-up mission in Odonget Community, located in Obubra Local Government Area, after soldiers were recently ambushed while responding to a distress call linked to a communal dispute.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations Headquarters 13 Brigade, Yemi Sokoya, on Friday.
According to the statement, troops conducted aggressive cordon-and-search operations and fighting patrols between March 12 and March 13, 2026, targeting suspected hideouts of the attackers.
On March 13, troops reportedly made contact with the armed group within the area. A firefight ensued, during which five of the attackers were neutralised while several others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.
During further exploitation of the area, soldiers discovered an illegal gun factory believed to have been used by criminal elements to manufacture weapons used in violent activities in the locality.
A search of the facility led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifle magazines, 10 locally fabricated firearms, and a toolbox containing equipment used for weapon production.
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The illegal arms manufacturing site was subsequently destroyed by the troops to prevent further use by criminal groups.
Commander of the 13 Brigade, Patrick Alimikhena, who led the operation, commended the troops for their bravery and professionalism during the encounter.
He reassured residents that the brigade remains committed to ensuring peace and stability in the area, adding that troops will sustain aggressive operations, surveillance, and patrols to track down fleeing suspects and prevent further threats to law-abiding citizens.
The army also urged members of the public to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist ongoing efforts to rid the area of criminal elements.
