Troops neutralise three IPOB/ESN operatives, recover arms, IEDs in Anambra

By Kingsley Omonobi

Troops of Sector 5, Joint Task Force South-East Operation Udoka, in collaboration with other security agencies, have neutralised three suspected operatives of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during a gun battle in Anambra State.

The operation was carried out on June 23, 2026, following credible intelligence on armed criminals allegedly disguising themselves in military camouflage and Nigeria Police uniforms to carry out attacks in the area.

According to the Nigerian Army, the joint security team swiftly mobilised and tracked the suspects along the Ogboji–Ajali axis in Orumba South Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects were reportedly intercepted while travelling in a white Toyota Sienna vehicle, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire during which three ESN operatives were killed.

Following the operation, troops conducted a search of the area and recovered a cache of weapons, ammunition and other items.

Recovered items included a PKM machine gun with 53 rounds of ammunition, two AK-47 rifles, additional rounds of 7.62mm and 5.56mm ammunition, four improvised explosive devices (IEDs), communication gadgets, a laptop computer and the vehicle allegedly used by the suspects.

Troops also recovered identification and financial documents believed to belong to members of the group.

The Army said the operation underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency collaboration aimed at dismantling criminal and terrorist networks threatening peace and stability in the South-East.

It added that troops were continuing exploitation operations in the area to track down fleeing and wounded suspects.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment, alongside other security agencies, to denying criminal elements freedom of action and ensuring the safety of law-abiding citizens.

It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains vital to sustaining security gains and safeguarding national security.

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