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

The Nigerian Army conducted a joint operation with various agencies to dismantle identified strongholds of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the East String Network (ESN) in Anambra State. The operation, which took place on August 22, 2026, resulted in the recovery of weapons, motorcycles, and materials used in the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The troops, along with the Maritime Component, Department of State Services, and the Anambra Vigilante Group, launched a coordinated dawn offensive in Ogbaru Local Government Area. During the pursuit, one suspected member was neutralized, while others fled, sustaining gunshot wounds. The seizure of IED-making materials is described as a significant operational gain, as it will degrade the group's capacity to manufacture explosive devices for attacks against security forces, critical infrastructure, and civilians.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch Nigeria's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.