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

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 in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.

In a statement on Saturday night posted on its social media platform, the task force said the operation was conducted on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in conjunction with the Maritime Component of the Department of State Services (DSS) and Anambra Vigilante Group.

It said the agencies launched a coordinated dawn offensive on identified strongholds at Obene Village and Abator Village within Ochuche and Umunankwo communities.

“On sighting the advancing troops, the terrorists opened fire before abandoning their positions and fleeing into the surrounding terrain,” the statement said.

According to the statement, troops responded with superior firepower and immediately pursued the fleeing elements, neutralising one of the terrorists, while other fleeing members escaped with the corpse of another neutralised member.

The coordinated assault effectively dislodged the group from its strongholds, denying its members the freedom to operate or use the locations as bases for further attacks.

A thorough exploitation of the strongholds led to the recovery of two pump-action guns, two motorcycles, IED-making materials and other sundry items.