Troops of the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, have dismantled strongholds of the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) in Ogbaru Local Government Area, recovering weapons and materials used for making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
The coordinated dawn offensive, carried out in partnership with the Maritime Component, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Anambra Vigilante Group, targeted Obene and Abator villages within Ochuche and Umunankwo communities.
According to military sources, the terrorists opened fire on sighting the advancing troops but fled after encountering superior firepower. “Blood stains along their withdrawal route indicated that some of them sustained gunshot wounds,” a security official revealed.
During the pursuit, one terrorist was neutralised, while others escaped with the body of another fallen member. The operation successfully dislodged the group, denying them the freedom to operate from the area.
Recovered items included: Two pump-action guns, two motorcycles, IED-making materials and Other sundry items
A senior military officer described the seizure of explosive-making materials as “a significant operational gain,” stressing that it would further degrade the group’s ability to launch attacks against security forces, infrastructure, and civilians.
Following the assault, troops consolidated their positions and intensified searches to prevent the fleeing members from regrouping.
In a statement, the Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing operations in the Southeast. “We will continue to deny these elements safe havens, degrade their capabilities, and create a more secure environment for law-abiding citizens,” the statement read.
