Troops of the 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under Headquarters 82 Division, have neutralised five gunmen in a fierce gun battle at Odonget community in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The operation was part of ongoing security efforts following a recent ambush on troops responding to a distress call over a communal dispute in the area.
In a statement, the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Major Yemi Sokoya, said the troops conducted aggressive clearance operations between March 12 and 13, 2026, to track down those responsible for the earlier attack on security personnel.
During cordon-and-search operations and fighting patrols, the troops made contact with the armed group and engaged them in a firefight, neutralising five attackers while others fled.
Further exploitation of the area led to the discovery of an illegal gun manufacturing facility believed to have been used by criminal elements to produce weapons for violent activities.
During the search, troops recovered three AK-47 rifle magazines, 10 locally fabricated weapons, and a toolbox containing equipment used for weapon production. The illegal factory was subsequently destroyed to prevent further use by criminals.
The Commander of the 13 Brigade, Brigadier General Patrick Alimikhena, who supervised the operation, commended the troops for their gallantry and professionalism.
He reassured residents of the army’s commitment to restoring and sustaining peace, adding that aggressive operations, surveillance, and patrols would continue to apprehend fleeing suspects and prevent further threats.
The military urged the public to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information to help eliminate criminal activities in the area.
