Troops of Operation Udoka have raided suspected strongholds of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, killing one suspected member and recovering weapons and materials believed to be used in making improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

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

According to the Nigerian Army, troops launched a coordinated dawn assault on suspected IPOB/ESN strongholds at Obene and Abator villages in Ochuche and Umunankwo communities.

The Army said the suspected operatives opened fire after sighting the advancing troops but subsequently abandoned their positions and fled into the surrounding terrain.

It said troops responded with superior firepower and pursued the fleeing suspects, with blood stains discovered along their withdrawal route suggesting that some may have sustained gunshot wounds.

“During the pursuit, troops neutralised one of the terrorists, while other fleeing members escaped with the corpse of another neutralised member,” the Army said.

The military said the operation successfully dislodged the group from the locations, preventing them from continuing to use the sites as bases for attacks.

Weapons, IED materials recovered

A subsequent search of the suspected strongholds yielded two pump-action guns, two motorcycles and materials believed to be intended for the fabrication of IEDs, among other items.

The Army described the recovery of the explosive-making materials as a significant operational gain, saying the seizure would further weaken the group’s capacity to manufacture explosive devices for attacks on security personnel, civilians and critical infrastructure.

Following the raid, troops consolidated their positions and expanded the search to surrounding areas in an effort to track fleeing suspects and prevent them from regrouping.

The Nigerian Army said the operation formed part of sustained joint security efforts under Joint Task Force South-East, Operation Udoka, aimed at dismantling armed and criminal networks operating across the region.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining pressure on suspected terrorist and criminal elements, denying them safe havens and disrupting their operational capabilities.

It added that security operations would continue across the South-East to create a safer environment for residents and other law-abiding citizens.