Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed five armed criminals and uncovered an illegal weapons manufacturing factory during a security operation in Odonget Community, Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The operation was carried out by troops of the 13 Brigade under the operational command of the 82 Division following a recent ambush on soldiers who had responded to a distress call linked to a communal dispute in the area.

Military sources said the troops launched aggressive cordon-and-search operations and fighting patrols between March 12 and 13, 2026, to track down those responsible for the earlier attack on security personnel.

During the operation, the troops made contact with the armed criminals and engaged them in a firefight, leading to the neutralisation of five of the attackers, while others fled the scene.

Further exploitation of the area led to the discovery of an illegal gun manufacturing factory believed to have been used by criminal elements to fabricate weapons for violent activities in the locality.

Items recovered from the facility include three AK-47 rifle magazines, 10 locally fabricated firearms, and a toolbox containing equipment used for weapon fabrication. The illegal arms production site was subsequently destroyed by the troops to prevent further use by criminal elements.

The Commander of the 13 Brigade, Patrick Alimikhena, who supervised the operation, commended the troops for their gallantry and professionalism during the encounter.

He reassured residents that the Brigade remains committed to sustaining aggressive operations, heightened surveillance and patrols to track down fleeing suspects and maintain peace in the area. He also urged members of the public to support security agencies with credible and timely information to help rid the community of criminal elements.