The Nigerian Army has announced the neutralisation of three suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during a joint security operation in Anambra State.
In a statement, the Army said troops of Sector 5, Joint Task Force South-East Operation UDO KA, working alongside other security agencies, carried out the operation on June 23, 2026, following credible intelligence on armed criminals allegedly disguising themselves in military camouflage and Nigeria Police uniforms to carry out violent attacks.
According to the statement, the joint security team tracked the suspects along the Ogboji–Ajali axis in Orumba South Local Government Area, where they intercepted a white Toyota Sienna vehicle conveying the alleged operatives.
“The suspects were intercepted while moving in a white Toyota Sienna vehicle, leading to a fierce firefight during which three ESN operatives were neutralised,” the Army said.
Following the encounter, troops searched the area and recovered a cache of weapons and other items, including PKM machine guns with 53 rounds of ammunition, two AK-47 rifles, additional rounds of 7.62mm and 5.56mm ammunition, four improvised explosive devices (IEDs), communication devices, a laptop and the vehicle allegedly used by the suspects.
The Army added that identification and financial documents belonging to suspected members of the group were also recovered during the operation.
It described the operation as another indication of the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-driven and joint security operations aimed at dismantling criminal and terrorist networks operating in the South-East.
According to the statement, troops are continuing exploitation operations in the area to track down fleeing and wounded members of the group.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment, in collaboration with other security agencies, to denying criminal elements freedom of operation and ensuring the safety of law-abiding residents.
It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains essential to sustaining operational successes and enhancing national security.
