Troops dismantle IPOB, ESN strongholds, recover weapons, IED materials in Anambra

Troops of the Joint Task Force South East, under Operation UDO KA, conducted an operation to dismantle identified strongholds of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Anambra State. The operation took place on Saturday, August 22, 2026, with support from the Maritime Component of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Anambra Vigilante Group. The task force worked in conjunction with local authorities to launch a coordinated dawn offensive against the strongholds located in Ogbaru Local Government Area.

Upon entering the strongholds in Obene Village and Abator Village within Ochuche and Umunankwo communities, the terrorists attempted to engage the troops with gunfire. However, the troops responded with superior firepower and pursued the retreating terrorists, ultimately neutralizing one member of the group. The remaining terrorists managed to escape with the corpse of another neutralized member.

The operation resulted in the successful dislodgement of IPOB from its strongholds, which had previously provided a safe haven for the group to operate and carry out attacks. During the thorough search of the abandoned strongholds, the troops recovered two pump-action guns, two motorcycles, and various improvised explosive device (IED)-making materials. These items were subsequently seized as evidence of the group's illicit activities.

The coordinated effort between the JTF SE, DSS, and the Anambra Vigilante Group has effectively dismantled IPOB's operational capabilities in the region, making it more difficult for the group to launch future attacks.