Military demolishes sacred site, seizes explosives from separatist group's secret base in Enugu

Troops from Sector 1, Operation UDO KA, have successfully dismantled a suspected ritual shrine and seized improvised explosive devices during a targeted operation against alleged members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

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The Nigerian Army revealed this information in a statement issued on Friday by Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, the acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, highlighting the outcome of the operation.

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The operation, which took place on May 6, was a collaborative effort with other security agencies, prompted by intelligence reports of alleged terrorist collaborators in the community, and resulted in a significant blow to the suspected terrorists.

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Troops conducting an intelligence-led patrol were ambushed by gunmen operating from a building allegedly used as a hideout by IPOB and ESN members, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

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During the confrontation, three soldiers suffered injuries and were promptly evacuated to a military medical facility for treatment, underscoring the risks faced by the troops during the operation.

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The Army's statement noted that despite being attacked, the troops maintained control of the situation, repelled the attack, and secured the surrounding area, demonstrating their operational dominance.

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The gun battle triggered the detonation of improvised explosive devices stored in the building, causing a fire that destroyed the structure, which was allegedly used as a hideout by the terrorists.

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A subsequent search of the area yielded additional improvised explosive devices, improvised hand grenades, and a shrine allegedly used for ritual activities, which were recovered by the troops.

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The shrine was thoroughly searched and destroyed to prevent its use for further criminal activities, marking a significant setback for the suspected terrorists.

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One suspected collaborator was apprehended during the operation and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Ezeagu Division, for further investigation and potential prosecution.

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The military urged residents of the community to remain calm and avoid harbouring criminal elements, while also warning members and sympathisers of IPOB and ESN to cease their illegal activities or face the consequences.

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The statement emphasized that security forces remain committed to establishing peace in the region and will continue to dismantle criminal networks, denying terrorists any freedom of action.

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Meanwhile, videos circulating online showed several houses engulfed in flames, with residents claiming that at least seven compounds and about 10 houses were destroyed in the aftermath of the operation.

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In one of the videos, residents alleged that an elderly sick woman was trapped inside one of the burning buildings, highlighting the human cost of the conflict.