Troops of the Nigerian Army have intensified operations across the South-East, overrunning suspected strongholds of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
- +Army overrun IPOB/ESN camps, foils bomb plot, recovers N2m ransom
The troop also dismantled a kidnapping syndicate, recovering improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ransom cash.
The troop also dismantled a kidnapping syndicate, recovering improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ransom cash.
The coordinated offensives, conducted under Operation Eastern Sanity with support from the Air Component of Operation Udoka, targeted key locations in Enugu State, military authorities said on Tuesday.
In a statement detailing the operations, the Army said troops of Sector 1 launched a precision strike on April 14 in Ajali Forest, located in Ezeagu Local Government Area.
The operation, driven by intelligence and reinforced by aerial support, reportedly forced suspected IPOB/ESN fighters into a “chaotic retreat,” abandoning critical equipment, including an anti-tank IED.
According to the military, the abandoned explosive device was safely recovered and neutralised by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, preventing potential casualties among both troops and civilians.
The Army described the attempted deployment of the device as a sign of desperation, noting that the group’s capacity to mount coordinated attacks is waning under sustained military pressure.
Following the raid, troops established control of the forest area and commenced clearance operations aimed at dismantling remaining hideouts.
The military said suspected camps and shelters were destroyed using heavy equipment, including bulldozers and chainsaws, to deny the fighters any cover or opportunity to regroup.
In a separate operation the same day, troops of the 82 Division Garrison stationed in Adani, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, acting on intelligence provided by the Department of State Services (DSS), intercepted funds linked to a kidnapping network.
The raid led to the arrest of a suspected kidnapper described as notorious by authorities.
“A search of the suspect’s residence yielded a pump-action rifle and the sum of N2 million, believed to be proceeds from ransom payments”, Army said.
Military said the suspect and recovered items have been handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation, with efforts ongoing to track down other members of the criminal network.
The Army said the combined operations have significantly degraded the operational and financial capabilities of IPOB/ESN elements in the region, stressing that the groups are “steadily losing ground, resources, and cohesion.”
Reaffirming its commitment, the military pledged to sustain pressure on armed groups and criminal elements, vowing to deny them safe havens across the South-East.
It also urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies, assuring law-abiding citizens of its resolve to protect lives and property while restoring lasting peace and stability in the region.
