Troops Raid IPOB/ESN Strongholds in Anambra, Recover Guns, IED Materials
By Chibuzo Obidike
Troops of the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, have raided suspected IPOB/ESN strongholds in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, recovering weapons and materials believed to be used for making Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs.
The operation, conducted on Saturday, August 22, 2026, involved troops working alongside the Maritime Component, Department of State Services, DSS, and the Anambra Vigilante Group.
The security team launched a coordinated dawn operation on identified hideouts at Obene and Abator villages within Ochuche and Umunankwo communities.
According to the military, the suspected terrorists opened fire after sighting the advancing troops but later abandoned their positions and fled into the surrounding terrain following the troops’ response.
Blood stains were reportedly discovered along the escape route, suggesting that some of the fleeing suspects sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter.
One suspect was reportedly neutralised during the pursuit, while another was also killed, with troops stating that his fleeing accomplices escaped with his body.
A subsequent search of the abandoned strongholds led to the recovery of two pump-action guns, two motorcycles, IED-making materials and other items.
The military said the recovery of the explosive-making materials represents a significant setback to the group’s ability to manufacture explosive devices for attacks on security personnel, infrastructure and civilians.
Troops have since intensified operations around the area to prevent the fleeing suspects from regrouping and to track down other members of the group.
The Nigerian Army said Operation UDO KA would continue to sustain pressure on terrorist and criminal networks across the South-East, with the objective of denying them safe havens and creating a safer environment for law-abiding residents.
