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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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. (The PUNCH)