Odita Sunday 
Troops Storm IPOB/ESN Strongholds in Anambra, Recover Guns, IED Materials
By Odita Sunday
Troops of the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, have dismantled identified strongholds of Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) elements in Anambra State, recovering two pump-action guns, two motorcycles and materials suspected to be for the manufacture of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
The operation was conducted on Saturday, 22 August 2026, in conjunction with the Maritime Component, Department of State Services (DSS) and Anambra Vigilante Group.
The troops launched a coordinated dawn offensive on identified strongholds at Obene Village and Abator Village within Ochuche and Umunankwo communities in Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state.
According to the military, the IPOB/ESN elements opened fire on sighting the advancing troops but abandoned their positions and fled into the surrounding terrain following the troops’ superior firepower.
The troops subsequently pursued the fleeing elements, while blood stains observed along their withdrawal route indicated that some of them may have sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter.
During the pursuit, the troops neutralised one of the elements, while other fleeing members reportedly escaped with the corpse of another neutralised member.
The operation effectively dislodged the group from the identified strongholds, denying the elements the opportunity to continue using the locations as bases for further attacks.
A thorough search of the abandoned positions led to the recovery of two pump-action guns, two motorcycles, IED-making materials and other sundry items.
The recovery of the explosive-making materials represents a significant operational gain for the security forces, as it is expected to 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 exploitation of surrounding areas to track fleeing members of the group and prevent them from regrouping elsewhere.
The Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies under Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, said it remains committed to sustaining pressure on terrorist and criminal networks across the South East.
It said ongoing operations would continue to deny such elements safe havens, degrade their operational capabilities and create a more secure environment for law-abiding citizens and communities across the region.
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