Anambra: Troops Raid IPOB, ESN Hideouts, Recover Weapons and Explosive Materials

Troops of the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, have dismantled identified IPOB strongholds and recovered weapons and improvised explosive device (IED)-making materials during an operation in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The operation was carried out on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in collaboration with the Maritime Component of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Anambra Vigilante Group, according to a statement released by the task force.

Troops Launch Dawn Offensive

The security agencies conducted a coordinated dawn operation targeting suspected strongholds at Obene Village and Abator Village, within the Ochuche and Umunankwo communities.

The task force said the suspected militants opened fire after sighting the advancing troops before abandoning their positions and fleeing into the surrounding terrain.

Troops responded with superior firepower and pursued the fleeing elements.

According to the statement, one suspected militant was neutralised, while other fleeing members reportedly escaped with the body of another person who had also been neutralised.

Weapons and IED Materials Recovered

The operation successfully dislodged the group from the locations, which the task force said had been used as bases for further attacks.

A subsequent search of the suspected strongholds led to the recovery of:

• Two pump-action guns
• Two motorcycles
• IED-making materials
• Other items believed to be associated with the group’s activities

The task force said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle armed groups and prevent them from establishing operational bases in communities across the South-East.

Security agencies are expected to sustain operations in the area while continuing efforts to identify and apprehend fleeing members of the group.