By Kingsley Omonobi
Troops of Operation Udoka have dismantled identified strongholds of Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) elements in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, recovering weapons and materials suspected to be used for making improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The operation, conducted on Saturday, August 22, 2026, was carried out in conjunction with the Maritime Component, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Anambra Vigilante Group.
According to the Nigerian Army, the troops launched a coordinated dawn offensive on identified strongholds at Obene and Abator villages within Ochuche and Umunankwo communities.
The Army said the suspected IPOB/ESN elements opened fire after sighting the advancing troops but later abandoned their positions and fled into the surrounding terrain.
It said the troops responded with superior firepower and pursued the fleeing elements, adding that blood stains observed along their withdrawal route indicated that some of the group’s members may have sustained gunshot wounds.
“During the pursuit, troops neutralised one of the terrorists, while other fleeing members escaped with the corpse of another neutralised member,” the Army said.
The military said the coordinated assault effectively dislodged the group from its strongholds, denying its members the opportunity to use the locations as bases for further attacks.
A thorough search of the strongholds led to 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 degrade the group’s capacity to fabricate explosive devices for attacks against security personnel, critical infrastructure and civilians.
Following the operation, the troops consolidated their positions and intensified the search of surrounding areas to track fleeing members of the group and prevent them from regrouping elsewhere.
The Nigerian Army said, in conjunction with other security agencies under Joint Task Force South East, Operation Udoka remained committed to sustaining pressure on terrorist and criminal networks across the South-East.
It added that ongoing operations would continue to deny such groups safe havens, degrade their capabilities and create a more secure environment for law-abiding citizens and communities across the region.
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