Army dismantles IPOB/ESN camps, recovers IED materials in Anambra

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Troops of the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, have dismantled identified IPOB/ESN strongholds in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, recovering weapons, motorcycles, and materials used in the production of improvised explosive devices.

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The operation was conducted on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in collaboration with the Maritime Component, Department of State Services and the Anambra Vigilante Group.

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According to the Nigerian Army on its X handle, the joint force launched a coordinated dawn offensive on identified strongholds at Obene and Abator villages within Ochuche and Umunankwo communities.

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The Army said the suspected IPOB/ESN elements opened fire after sighting the advancing troops before abandoning their positions and fleeing into the surrounding terrain.

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“Troops responded with superior firepower and immediately pursued the fleeing elements,” the Army said.

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It added that blood stains observed along the withdrawal route indicated that some of the fleeing elements may have sustained gunshot wounds.

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During the pursuit, the Army said one suspected member was neutralised, while other fleeing members escaped with the body of another neutralised member.

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A subsequent search of the abandoned strongholds led to the recovery of two pump-action guns, two motorcycles, IED-making materials and other items.

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The Army described the seizure of the explosive-making materials as a “significant operational gain,” saying it would further degrade the group’s capacity to manufacture explosive devices for attacks against security forces, critical infrastructure and civilians.

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The troops subsequently consolidated their positions and intensified operations in surrounding areas to track fleeing members and prevent them from regrouping.

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The Army said the ongoing operations aimed to deny such elements safe havens, degrade their operational capabilities, and create a safer environment for law-abiding citizens and communities across the region.

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The latest operation comes days after troops under Operation UDO KA dismantled three suspected IPOB/ESN camps in another part of Anambra State, according to the Army. That operation reportedly resulted in the recovery of firearms, dynamite and other items.

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