Troops of Operation UDOKA have arrested three suspects linked to a deadly ambush on soldiers in May and recovered a cache of arms in Delta and Rivers States.

The Joint Task Force said the operation was carried out in the early hours of July 31, 2026 by troops of 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation EASTERN SANITY II, working with 181 Battalion of 63 Brigade.

The suspects — identified as Chiboy, Marathon, and Onowu — were tracked to Oleh in Delta State after fleeing the scene of the May 4 attack that left one soldier dead and another injured.

Following their arrest in Opaebe and Oleh, the suspects led troops to hideouts at Aggah Plantation in Ekpeaggah, Rivers State, and Umudike Plantation where weapons were stored.

Items recovered include the service rifles taken during the ambush: one AK-47 with two magazines and one FN rifle with two magazines.

Troops also recovered three more AK-47 rifles with nine magazines, pistols, 194 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, 45 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, military uniforms, jungle hats, a bulletproof vest, an empty first aid box, and five mobile phones allegedly used by the gang.

The suspects are in custody and will be prosecuted.

Operation UDOKA Headquarters praised the troops for their professionalism and inter-agency collaboration, saying the operation reflects the military’s resolve to dismantle criminal networks and sustain peace efforts in the South-East.