The Nigerian Army says its troops have dismantled identified strongholds of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) elements in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, recovering weapons and materials suspected to be used in making improvised explosive devices.
The Army said the operation was conducted in collaboration with its maritime component, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Anambra vigilante group.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Army said troops launched a dawn operation on identified hideouts in Obene and Abator villages in the Ochuche and Umunankwo communities.
According to the statement, the suspected operatives opened fire when they sighted the advancing troops before abandoning their positions and fleeing into the surrounding area.
The Army said its troops responded with superior firepower and pursued the fleeing suspects, with blood stains observed along their escape route indicating that some may have sustained gunshot wounds.
It said one suspect was killed during the pursuit, while other fleeing members escaped with the body of another person reportedly killed during the encounter.
The Army said the operation successfully dislodged the group from its bases, preventing them from using the locations as operational strongholds.
A search of the abandoned positions reportedly led to the recovery of two pump-action guns, two motorcycles, materials suspected to be used in the production of improvised explosive devices and other items.
The Army described the recovery of the explosive-making materials as a significant operational gain, saying the seizure would limit the group’s ability to manufacture explosive devices for attacks on security personnel, critical infrastructure and civilians.
Following the operation, troops consolidated their positions and expanded their search of surrounding areas in an effort to track fleeing members and prevent them from regrouping elsewhere.
The Army said it would continue operations under Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with other security agencies to disrupt what it described as terrorist and criminal networks across the region.
“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 statement said.
