Troops dismantle suspected IPOB/ESN headquarters in Anambra

Joint troops under Operation UDO KA have dismantled a suspected Eastern Security Network (ESN) and IPOB hideout described as a “supreme headquarters” in Mother Valley in the Nkwere area of Anambra State, arresting two suspects during the operation.

A credible Army Headquarters source disclosed that the coordinated ground assault began at about 7:00 a.m. on February 26, involving personnel of the military, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

According to the source, the troops advanced on foot for about three hours through difficult and restricted terrain before gaining access to the valley.

The joint force reportedly encountered heavy resistance from suspected ESN/IPOB fighters, who deployed locally fabricated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and intense gunfire.

However, the troops were said to have overwhelmed the fighters after a fierce exchange and secured the area.

The operation led to the neutralisation of one suspected IPOB member, while several others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.

Security operatives recovered several items from the hideout, including two pump-action guns, a locally fabricated firearm, a tear gas gun and seven gas cylinders.

Other items recovered include an electric kettle, a Biafran flag, a United States flag and an Israeli flag.

The troops also destroyed several facilities at the camp, including solar panels and a Mikano generator used to power the hideout.

An ambush team involved in the operation arrested two suspected IPOB members. One of the suspects was allegedly caught attempting to plant an IED, while the second was arrested for allegedly monitoring troop movements into the valley.

Both suspects are currently in the custody of the 34 Military Intelligence Brigade for profiling and further investigation.

Troops also recovered one Kia saloon car and a black Toyota Sequoia SUV from another section of the valley, with efforts ongoing to move the vehicles to a Forward Operating Base in Orsu.