Troops of the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, have dismantled suspected Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN) strongholds in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, recovering weapons and materials believed to be used in making improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The operation, conducted on Saturday, August 22, 2026, involved troops of the Nigerian Army’s Joint Task Force South East, Maritime Component, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Anambra Vigilante Group.

According to the military, the security forces launched a coordinated dawn assault on identified locations at Obene and Abator villages within Ochuche and Umunankwo communities.

The troops reportedly came under fire after the suspected militants sighted their advance. The security forces responded and pursued the fleeing elements into the surrounding terrain.

The military said blood stains found along the withdrawal route suggested that some of the fleeing suspects sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter.

During the operation, one suspected militant was reportedly neutralised, while another fleeing member was said to have escaped with the body of a second casualty.

A subsequent search of the abandoned strongholds led to the recovery of two pump-action guns, two motorcycles, IED-making materials and other items.

The military said the seizure of the explosive-making materials would further undermine the group’s capacity to manufacture explosive devices for attacks on security personnel, critical infrastructure and civilians.

Following the raid, troops consolidated their positions and intensified searches around the area to prevent the fleeing suspects from regrouping or establishing new operational bases.

The Nigerian Army said Operation UDO KA would continue its coordinated operations with other security agencies to disrupt terrorist and criminal networks and deny them safe havens across the South-East.