Soldiers recover improvised explosive devices in Abia Forest

2026-02-09 - 17:29

By Ugochukwu Alaribe UMUAHIA — Soldiers of the 14 Brigade, Ohafia, Abia State, have recovered two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from a forest in Umuchinma, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area. The explosives were discovered during clearance operations along the Umuchinma pipeline route leading into the forest, the brigade said. In a statement, Acting Assistant Public Relations Officer, Captain Mazinho Attah, disclosed that the IEDs were locally fabricated using 5kg gas cylinders, nails, water-gel explosives, two detonators, and electrical cables. The troops also recovered four empty cartridge cases and two bags containing nails while clearing a camp believed to belong to criminal elements. This followed intelligence from a suspect under investigation, who confessed to expertise in explosives. Brigade Commander Brigadier General A.M. Dikko commended the soldiers for their professionalism and resilience, describing the operation as a significant success in ongoing efforts against criminal activities attributed to proscribed groups in the area. The statement added that further exploitation of the forest is ongoing, and while the general security situation remains calm, troops continue to maintain high vigilance and morale.