Troops of the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, have dismantled identified IPOB/ESN strongholds in Anambra State, recovering firearms, motorcycles and materials assessed to be capable of supporting the production of improvised explosive devices.
The operation was conducted on Saturday, August 22, 2026, around Obene and Abator villages within the Ochuche and Umunankwo communities of Ogbaru Local Government Area.
According to the Nigerian Army, the offensive was conducted jointly with the Maritime Component, the Department of State Services and the Anambra Vigilante Group after security forces identified the locations as strongholds of the armed group.
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The armed elements reportedly opened fire as troops approached before abandoning their positions and fleeing.
Troops pursued the fleeing members, with blood stains observed along the withdrawal route, indicating that some may have sustained gunshot wounds.
One member of the group was neutralised during the pursuit, while other fleeing elements reportedly escaped with the body of another neutralised member.
An exploitation of the abandoned strongholds subsequently led to the recovery of two pump-action guns, two motorcycles, IED-making materials and other items.
The recovery of the explosive-making materials was described as a significant operational gain, as it would reduce the group’s capacity to manufacture improvised explosive devices for attacks against security personnel, infrastructure and civilians.
Troops have since consolidated their positions and expanded searches around the area to prevent the fleeing elements from regrouping or establishing alternative operating bases.
Operation UDO KA is sustaining coordinated pressure against armed groups and criminal networks across the South-East as security forces seek to deny them safe havens and disrupt their operational capabilities.
