Troops Neutralize Three IPOB/ESN Operatives and Recover Arms and IEDs in Anambra

By Kingsley Omonobi

Troops from Sector 5 of the Joint Task Force South‑East Operation Udoka, working together with other security agencies, neutralised three suspected operatives of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during a gunfight in Anambra State.

The operation took place on 23 June 2026 after credible intelligence indicated that armed criminals were masquerading in military camouflage and Nigerian Police uniforms to launch attacks in the region.

According to the Nigerian Army, the joint security team quickly mobilised and tracked the suspects along the Ogboji–Ajali axis in Orumba South Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects were intercepted while travelling in a white Toyota Sienna, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire in which three ESN operatives were killed.

After the engagement, troops searched the area and recovered a cache of weapons, ammunition and other items.

The recovered items included a PKM machine gun with 53 rounds of ammunition, two AK‑47 rifles, additional rounds of 7.62 mm and 5.56 mm ammunition, four improvised explosive devices (IEDs), communication gadgets, a laptop computer and the vehicle allegedly used by the suspects.

Troops also seized identification and financial documents believed to belong to members of the group.

The Army said the operation highlighted the effectiveness of intelligence‑driven actions and inter‑agency collaboration aimed at dismantling criminal and terrorist networks that threaten peace and stability in the South‑East.

It added that troops were continuing exploitation operations in the area to track down fleeing and wounded suspects.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment, along with other security agencies, to deny criminal elements freedom of action and to ensure the safety of law‑abiding citizens.

It also urged the public to keep providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains vital to sustaining security gains and safeguarding national security.