Troops of the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, have dismantled suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network strongholds in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, recovering weapons and materials suspected to be used for making improvised explosive devices.
The operation, conducted on Saturday, August 22, 2026, was carried out in collaboration with the Maritime Component, Department of State Services and Anambra Vigilante Group.
The security forces launched a coordinated dawn offensive on identified strongholds at Obene and Abator villages within the Ochuche and Umunankwo communities.
According to the Nigerian Army, the suspected IPOB/ESN elements opened fire after sighting the advancing troops before abandoning their positions and fleeing into the surrounding terrain.
Troops responded with superior firepower and pursued the fleeing elements. Blood stains found along the withdrawal route indicated that some of the suspects sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter.
During the pursuit, troops reportedly neutralised one of the terrorists, while other fleeing members escaped with the body of another neutralised member.
The operation subsequently dislodged the group from the identified locations, preventing them from continuing to use the areas as bases for attacks and other criminal activities.
A search of the abandoned strongholds led to the recovery of two pump-action guns, two motorcycles, IED-making materials and other items.
The Army said the recovery of the explosive-making materials represented a significant operational gain, as the seizure would limit the group’s ability to manufacture explosive devices for attacks against security personnel, critical infrastructure and civilians.
Following the raid, troops consolidated their positions and intensified searches of the surrounding areas in an effort to track fleeing members of the group and prevent them from regrouping in other locations.
The Nigerian Army said Operation UDO KA would sustain pressure on terrorist and criminal networks operating across the South-East.
“Ongoing operations will continue to deny these elements safe havens, degrade their capabilities and create a more secure environment for law-abiding citizens and communities across the region,” the Army said.
The latest operation forms part of the military’s continued efforts, alongside other security agencies, to disrupt criminal networks, recover weapons and deny armed groups operational bases across the South-East.
