Troops of the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, have raided suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) strongholds in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, recovering weapons, motorcycles and materials used to make improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The operation was carried out on Saturday, August 22, 2026, by troops working with the Maritime Component, Department of State Services (DSS) and Anambra Vigilante Group.
The security forces launched a coordinated dawn assault on identified positions at Obene and Abator villages in the Ochuche and Umunankwo communities.
According to the Nigerian Army, the suspected IPOB/ESN members opened fire when they spotted the advancing troops but later abandoned their positions and fled into the surrounding terrain. Troops returned fire and pursued the fleeing group.
Blood stains found along the escape route suggested that some of the fleeing suspects were wounded during the encounter.
The Army said one suspected member was neutralised during the pursuit, while other fleeing members reportedly escaped with the body of another person killed in the operation.
A search of the abandoned positions resulted in the recovery of two pump-action guns, two motorcycles, IED-making materials and other items.
The recovery of the explosive-making materials is expected to limit the group’s ability to manufacture IEDs for attacks on security personnel, infrastructure and civilians.
Troops have since consolidated their positions in the area and expanded their search to nearby locations in an effort to track fleeing suspects and prevent them from regrouping.
The Nigerian Army said Operation UDO KA will continue its joint operations with other security agencies across the South East to disrupt armed groups, deny them operational bases and improve security in affected communities.
