Security forces dismantle and destroy IPOB and ESN strongholds in Anambra, resulting in the deaths of three militants

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By Kingsley Omonobi

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Troops of the newly established 15 Brigade, Nigerian Army, operating under the Joint Task Force South East, Operation Udoka, in a major operation against suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN), have dismantled three terrorist camps and recovered arms, explosives and other logistics during a coordinated operation in Anambra State.

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According to a statement by the Army, “The intelligence-led operation was conducted in the early hours of Saturday, 15 August 2026, following credible information on the activities of suspected IPOB/ESN elements operating from camps located at Osuakwa, along the boundary between Ihiala and Ogbaru Local Government Areas of the state.

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“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, troops of 15 Brigade, in conjunction with personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Agunechemba Vigilante Group, launched a carefully planned dawn raid on the identified locations.

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“During the operation, the joint force came under hostile fire from the terrorists but responded decisively, overwhelming the criminals after a fierce firefight.

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“Three suspected IPOB/ESN members were neutralised, while all three camps were successfully overrun and destroyed to prevent their future use as operational bases.

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“Troops also recovered a cache of weapons, explosives and logistics, including one FN rifle with 10 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, one pump-action shotgun with five cartridges, 15 sticks of dynamite, four motorcycles.

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“Others were one gas cylinder, and three hybrid batteries, two car batteries, three hand-held radio chargers, as well as other items believed to have supported the group’s criminal activities.

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“Further exploitation of the area led to the arrest of one suspected IPOB/ESN member identified as Mr Chijioke, alongside one male and one female suspected accomplices, who were found in the company of six children.

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“The Commander, 15 Brigade Nigerian Army, has commended the troops, personnel of the DSS and members of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group for their courage, discipline and outstanding inter-agency cooperation.”

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He described the operation as another major setback for criminal and terrorist elements seeking to undermine peace and security in the South East.

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“The Nigerian Army reassures the public that the newly established 15 Brigade will continue to sustain aggressive intelligence-led operations in collaboration with sister security agencies and critical local stakeholders to locate, disrupt and dismantle terrorist and criminal networks.

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“The Brigade remains resolute in its commitment to denying all criminal elements freedom of action and ensuring the safety and security of law-abiding residents across Anambra State and the wider South East region,” he said.

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