Troops of the Nigerian Army have dismantled a suspected kidnappers’ and ritualists’ enclave in the Olokoro forest area of Abia State, arresting three individuals allegedly linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Securitynewsalert.com gathered that the raid, conducted on March 11, 2026, was part of the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY, a targeted effort by Operation UDO KA under the 14 Brigade to restore security to the South-Eastern region.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops stormed several hideouts nestled within the dense Olokoro forests. During the clearance, soldiers uncovered a shrine reportedly used by the group for fortification and ritual activities. To prevent the site from being reused as a criminal sanctuary, the Army destroyed the structure immediately.
According to a statement released on March 12 by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the suspects are in their 20s and 30s and have long been on security watch lists. They are accused of involvement in murder, unholy sacrifices, and the exploitation of kidnap victims for rituals.
In addition to the arrests, troops recovered a variety of items used to facilitate the syndicate’s operations. These include various identification and ATM cards, a motorcycle, mobile phones, machetes, empty ammunition casings, and a bag containing suspected illicit substances.
The Nigerian Army confirmed that the clearance operation is still active as troops continue to comb the Olokoro forest to locate additional camps and recover more arms. Lt. Col. Ayeni stated that the military remains committed to sustaining pressure on criminal networks threatening peace across Abia State and the wider South East.
The statement concluded with a plea for continued public vigilance, noting that community cooperation is essential for dismantling criminal syndicates and ensuring lasting regional stability.
