Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 14 Brigade, based in Ohafia, Abia State, have uncovered improvised explosive devices during a clearance operation in a forested area in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, military authorities said. The discovery came as part of an intensified campaign to disrupt criminal infrastructure and prevent the deployment of explosive devices in the region.
The operation took place on February 8, 2026, in the Umuchinma Forest, a heavily wooded area where security forces have been conducting systematic patrols and offensive actions. According to a statement released by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 14 Brigade, Captain Mazinho Atta, the troops were conducting clearance operations along the Umuchinma pipeline corridor leading into the forest when they discovered the explosives.
At around 9:00 a.m., soldiers identified two locally fabricated improvised explosive devices. These devices were reportedly constructed from 5kg gas cylinders packed with nails, water-gel explosives, detonators and electrical cables — components that can cause significant damage and casualties if detonated. Patrols also recovered four empty cartridge cases and two bags filled with nails during the operation, items often used to enhance the lethality of these devices.
The troops additionally cleared a suspect encampment believed to have been used by criminal elements linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Intelligence leading to the recovery reportedly came from a suspect currently under investigation, who confessed to having technical knowledge of explosives and reportedly provided actionable information.
Brigadier General A.M. Dikko, commander of the 14 Brigade, commended the soldiers for their discipline, resilience and professionalism. He underscored that the clearance operations in Umuchinma Forest remain ongoing and reassured residents that the security situation in the area, while relatively calm, remains unpredictable. The troops were directed to maintain heightened vigilance to prevent further threats.
Improvised explosive devices have increasingly been used in asymmetric warfare in Nigeria, with insurgent and criminal groups constructing homemade bombs to target security forces and civil infrastructure. These devices vary in design and construction, but their employment can cause extensive harm to personnel, civilians and equipment if detonated. Their discovery and neutralisation by security forces are critical to safeguarding communities and maintaining operational freedom for troops.
The clearance operation in Abia State reflects broader military efforts across the country to address evolving security challenges. The Nigerian Army, supported by other security agencies, has in recent months conducted multiple clearance and offensive operations aimed at disrupting armed groups, dismantling illicit camps and removing explosive threats in forested and rural areas. In some regions of the South East, operations such as Operation UDO KA and Operation Eastern Sanity have focused on neutralising criminal outposts and preventing the use of explosives against both soldiers and civilians.
Abia State has periodically experienced security tensions, particularly in rural communities where unknown gunmen have been reported to clash with security forces and civilians. Historical reports from Isiala Ngwa North have highlighted confrontations between troops and armed groups, including fatal engagements that prompted civilian displacement and heightened anxiety in neighbouring communities. In some past incidents, militants operating in and around forested terrains engaged with troops, prompting military counteractions to restore order and protect residents.
The Nigerian Army’s response to dynamic security threats has increasingly integrated intelligence-led operations, often involving credible tips from local sources or detainees. These operations have improved the effectiveness of clearance tasks, enabling forces to pre-emptively neutralise threats such as improvised explosive devices before they can be deployed. Military commanders emphasise that effective collaboration between troops and reliable informants is essential to gaining the advantage over clandestine networks that utilise forests and remote terrain for concealment.
Security analysts note that the recovery of explosive devices in Abia follows a pattern of growing sophistication among non-state actors engaged in violent crime and insurgency in parts of southern Nigeria. While the magnitude of threats in the South East differs from traditional insurgency theatres in the North East, such as Borno State where groups like the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have used improvised explosive devices extensively, the underlying tactics — including the construction of homemade bombs — demonstrate a convergence in methods employed by disparate groups across the country.
In addition to military operations, authorities have called for enhanced vigilance among local populations. Community leaders in affected areas have repeatedly urged residents to report suspicious activities and to cooperate with security agencies to facilitate prompt responses to credible threats. Ongoing clearance and patrol operations aim not only to neutralise immediate dangers but also to reassure communities that organised efforts are underway to restore and maintain stability.
As the clearance of Umuchinma Forest continues, residents and local authorities are awaiting further updates on additional threats and the outcomes of the broader Operation Eastern Sanity offensive. Military leadership has reiterated that sustaining calm requires persistent pressure on criminal infrastructures and proactive operations to deny hostile elements the ability to project force, particularly through the deployment of improvised devices.
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