The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has commended troops of Sector 1, Operation UDO KA, for their successful clearance operations in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, where several terrorist hideouts were dismantled and criminal activities disrupted.
The commendation was made during an operational tour of Enugu State by the Defence Media Team, which visited Ezeagu LGA to assess the ongoing clearance operation.
General Oluyede, who was represented by the Commander 103 Battalion (Rear) and Clearance Operation Commander, Major Mohammed Abdulrahman, praised the troops for their professionalism and resilience in the face of complex security threats.
Major Abdulrahman explained that Ezeagu LGA is one of the 17 local government areas under the Area of Responsibility of Sector 1, Operation UDO KA, which covers the entire Enugu State.
In recent times, the area has faced security challenges, including criminal activities linked to IPOB/ESN elements.
According to him, intelligence reports revealed the presence of IPOB elements operating from the Ajali forest, a vast forest corridor linking Enugu and Anambra States, which criminals had been using as a safe haven to plan and execute attacks.
“This development necessitated the launch of an offensive clearance operation, which commenced on 30 December 2025 and is still ongoing,” he said.
He disclosed that troops advanced into the forest and successfully cleared and destroyed eight identified terrorist camps.
Following the clearance, the troops continued to exploit forward positions to dominate the area and deny criminal elements freedom of action within the forest and its surrounding communities.
Major Abdulrahman listed some of the achievements recorded during the operation to include the neutralisation and destruction of eight IPOB camps, the successful detonation of an improvised explosive device planted along access routes to the camps, and the recovery of 197 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Also recovered were five motorcycles and various IED-making materials.
He further stated that bulldozers and chainsaws are being employed to open up the forest, clear escape routes, and eliminate potential hiding places for criminals.
While noting that the general security situation within the sector remains relatively calm but unpredictable, he assured that Sector 1 will continue to project force through patrols, raids, cordon-and-search, and clearance operations across all 17 LGAs to neutralise and deter non-state actors and other adversaries.
Lance Corporal Oliva Aniako, a Sector 1 officer involved in the operation, recounted how the troops engaged the terrorists in Ezeagu, inflicting injuries on them and forcing them to abandon their positions. He stated that the sustained pressure mounted by the troops disrupted the criminals’ movements and prevented them from regrouping within the area.
According to him, the troops remained resolute throughout the encounters, maintaining constant pursuit of the fleeing terrorists along identified routes.
He noted that the determination and teamwork displayed by the soldiers ensured that the criminals were driven out of their hideouts and denied any opportunity to return or carry out further attacks.
Lance Corporal Aniako expressed confidence that the operation has restored safety to Ezeagu, stressing that the area is now calm following the successful clearance.
He attributed the success to the commitment of the troops and divine guidance.