Troops of the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, have dealt another blow to the operational capability of Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) elements, dismantling identified strongholds and recovering weapons and Improvised Explosive Device (IED)-making materials in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The operation was conducted on Saturday, 22 August 2026 in conjunction with the Maritime Component, Department of State Services (DSS) and Anambra Vigilante Group, launched a coordinated dawn offensive on identified strongholds at Obene Village and Abator Village within Ochuche and Umunankwo communities. On sighting the advancing troops, the terrorists opened fire before abandoning their positions and fleeing into the surrounding terrain. Troops responded with superior firepower and immediately pursued the fleeing elements. Blood stains observed along their withdrawal route indicated that some of the terrorists sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter.
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During the pursuit, troops neutralised one of the terrorists, while other fleeing members escaped with the corpse of another neutralised member. The coordinated assault effectively dislodged the group from its strongholds, denying its members the freedom to operate or use the locations as bases for further attacks.
A thorough exploitation of the strongholds led to the recovery of two pump-action guns, two motorcycles, IED-making materials and other sundry items. The seizure of the explosive-making materials represents a significant operational gain, as it further degrades the terrorists’ capacity to fabricate explosive devices for attacks against security forces, critical infrastructure and innocent civilians.
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Following the operation, troops consolidated their positions and intensified exploitation of the surrounding areas to track fleeing members of the group and prevent their regrouping elsewhere.
The Nigerian Army in conjunction with other security agencies through Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, remains committed to sustaining pressure on terrorist and criminal networks 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.
