Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
The Nigerian Army has announced that troops under Operation UDO KA destroyed a suspected ritual shrine and recovered improvised explosive devices during an operation targeting alleged members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, in Imezi Owa.
According to the Army, the operation was conducted on May 6, 2026, in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State following intelligence reports about alleged collaborators and suspected IPOB/ESN activities within the community. The military said troops from Sector 1 of Operation UDO KA worked alongside other security agencies during the raid.
In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, the Army said troops advancing into the area on foot came under gunfire from suspected ESN operatives allegedly operating from a building used as a hideout.
The military stated that an intense exchange of gunfire followed, during which three soldiers reportedly sustained injuries. The injured personnel were later evacuated to a military medical facility for treatment. Despite the attack, the Army said troops maintained operational control and successfully repelled the assailants.
According to the Army, improvised explosive devices allegedly stored within the building detonated during the confrontation, triggering a fire that destroyed the structure believed to have served as the hideout.
Following the operation, troops reportedly conducted further searches around the area and recovered additional IEDs, improvised hand grenades and a shrine allegedly linked to ritual activities. The military said the shrine was subsequently destroyed to prevent further criminal use.
The Army also confirmed the arrest of one suspected collaborator during the operation. The suspect was reportedly handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Ezeagu Division, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The latest operation forms part of ongoing military offensives under Operation UDO KA and Operation Eastern Sanity, security operations launched to counter separatist violence, kidnappings and attacks linked to IPOB/ESN activities across the South-East.
In recent months, Nigerian troops have announced several raids on suspected IPOB and ESN camps in parts of Enugu, Imo, Anambra and Abia states, with recoveries including weapons, explosives, ammunition and alleged ritual sites.
The Indigenous People of Biafra has consistently denied involvement in violent attacks and criminal operations attributed to the group by Nigerian security agencies. However, the Federal Government continues to classify IPOB as a proscribed organization.
Security operations across the South-East have intensified amid ongoing concerns over attacks on security personnel, government facilities and civilians in parts of the region.
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