By Sophia Afolabi
In a series of coordinated operations, troops of Operation UDO KA have neutralized eight suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), across multiple locations in Anambra State.
According to a statement by Operation UDO KA spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu, the operations—which spanned January 8 to January 13—also led to the arrest of five suspects and the recovery of a cache of arms and explosives.
During a clearance mission to the IPOB/ESN Ogunka camp in Orumba South Local Government Area, troops engaged militants in a fierce gun battle. “The gallant troops came in contact with the irredentists on arrival at the camp,” said Lt. Col. Unuakhalu. “They attempted to flee through their escape route but were engaged by the blocking force, neutralizing five of them.”
Among the items recovered were two AK-47 rifles, one pump-action shotgun, four improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and a 12V/75-amp battery used for detonation.
In a separate operation on January 13, five suspected IPOB/ESN operatives were apprehended in Aguata LGA. The suspects were intercepted while traveling in a black Ford Edge SUV bearing Abuja registration number ABC 535 A. “The suspects attempted to forcefully open the barricade at our Forward Operating Base checkpoint, but our vigilant troops acted swiftly,” Unuakhalu added. “A search of their vehicle revealed a locally made pistol, live cartridges, and multiple mobile phones.”
Troops also encountered resistance during a routine patrol along the Orsumoghu–Burrow Pit road on January 8, resulting in the death of three more militants. Unfortunately, one soldier lost his life during an attempt to defuse IEDs discovered along the route, when two explosive cylinders detonated unexpectedly.
Additionally, Sector 1 troops responded to a distress call involving the abduction of passengers in Igbo-Eze LGA, Enugu State. Security forces intervened swiftly, securing the release of all kidnapped individuals in stages, with the last two freed on January 12. Efforts are ongoing to locate and dismantle the kidnappers’ hideout.
Lt. Col. Unuakhalu emphasized that the operations were part of a wider effort to restore stability and eliminate insurgent threats in the southeast.
