The Nigerian Army troops of the Joint Task Force South East, operating under Operation UDOKA, have dealt a significant blow to the operational capabilities of Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) elements in Anambra State.
The joint security forces dismantled identified terrorist strongholds and recovered crucial weaponry and bomb-making materials during a coordinated dawn offensive on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in the Ogbaru Local Government Area.
The operation was executed by troops in conjunction with the Maritime Component, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Anambra Vigilante Group, according to a statement issued by the Nigerian military high Command, Saturday.
The statement explained that security Forces launched the precision assault on entrenched positions at Obene Village and Abator Village within the Ochuche and Umunankwo Communities in the State.
It also stated that the insurgents opened fire upon sighting the advancing security personnel before abandoning their posts and fleeing into the surrounding terrain.
Troops responded with superior firepower and initiated an immediate tactical pursuit.
Bloodstains discovered along the withdrawal routes confirmed that multiple terrorists sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries during the exchange.
During the sweep and pursuit, troops neutralized one of the combatants. However, fleeing members managed to escape with the corpse of another neutralized associate.
A thorough exploitation of the dislodged strongholds led to the recovery of critical military and security assets, including:
Two pump-action guns
Two motorcycles
Improvised Explosive Device (IED) making materials and sundry itemsMilitary authorities noted that the seizure of the IED-making components marks a major operational victory, substantially degrading the group’s capacity to manufacture explosives targeted at security personnel, public infrastructure, and civilians.
Following the engagement, security forces consolidated their tactical positions and intensified patrols across surrounding sectors to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent any regrouping attempts.
Operation UDO KA reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army and allied security agencies to sustaining pressure across the South East region, denying criminal networks safe havens, and safeguarding law-abiding citizens.
