Troops of the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, have dismantled suspected strongholds of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The operation, conducted on Saturday, August 22, 2026, also led to the recovery of two pump-action guns, two motorcycles and materials suspected to be intended for the manufacture of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
The Nigerian Army said the operation was carried out in conjunction with the Maritime Component, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Anambra Vigilante Group.
According to the report, troops launched a coordinated dawn offensive on identified IPOB/ESN strongholds at Obene and Abator villages within Ochuche and Umunankwo communities.
The suspected terrorists reportedly opened fire after sighting the advancing troops before abandoning their positions and fleeing into the surrounding terrain.
The troops responded with superior firepower and pursued the fleeing elements. Blood stains observed along the withdrawal route suggested that some of the suspects sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter.
During the operation, troops reportedly neutralised one of the fleeing terrorists, while other members of the group escaped with the corpse of another suspected member who was also neutralised.
The military said the assault effectively dislodged the group from its identified bases, denying its members the opportunity to use the locations as operational hideouts or launch attacks from the area.
A subsequent search of the abandoned strongholds resulted in the recovery of two pump-action guns, two motorcycles, IED-making materials and other items.
The Army described the seizure of the explosive-making materials as a significant operational gain, saying it would further weaken the group’s ability to manufacture explosive devices for attacks on security personnel, critical infrastructure and civilians.
Following the operation, troops consolidated their positions and intensified searches across surrounding areas in an effort to track fleeing members of the group and prevent them from regrouping.
The Nigerian Army said it would continue to work with other security agencies under Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, to sustain pressure on terrorist and criminal networks operating across the South East.
It added that ongoing operations would focus on denying such groups safe havens, degrading their operational capabilities and creating a safer environment for law-abiding residents and communities across the region.
