Nigerian Army dismantles IPOB/ESN camps, recovers IED materials in Anambra

The operation, conducted on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in collaboration with the Maritime Component, Department of State Services, and the Anambra Vigilante Group, led to the recovery of weapons, motorcycles, and materials used for improvised explosive devices. The joint force launched a coordinated dawn offensive on strongholds in Obene and Abator villages, within Ochuche and Umunankwo communities. Suspected IPOB/ESN elements reportedly opened fire upon sighting the troops but subsequently abandoned their positions and fled.

The Army stated that one suspected member was neutralized during the pursuit, and bloodstains along the withdrawal route indicated other fleeing members may have sustained gunshot wounds. A search of the abandoned strongholds yielded two pump-action guns, two motorcycles, IED-making materials, and other items. The Army highlighted the seizure of explosive-making materials as a significant operational gain, aiming to degrade the group's capacity to manufacture explosive devices.

This operation follows a previous one where troops under Operation UDO KA dismantled three suspected IPOB/ESN camps in another part of Anambra State, recovering firearms and dynamite.