Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigerian Army says it has intensified coordinated military operations across parts of the South-East under Operation Eastern Sanity, targeting suspected armed elements and criminal networks in a series of recent clearance actions across Enugu State.
According to a statement from military authorities, troops supported by air assets carried out a joint operation on April 14, 2026, in Ajali Forest within Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State. The operation was conducted under Sector 1 of the mission framework and involved precision strikes aimed at dislodging suspected armed groups operating in the area.
Military sources claimed that during the operation, suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, were forced to retreat, abandoning equipment and improvised explosive devices. Among the items reportedly recovered was an anti-tank improvised explosive device, which was later secured by explosive ordnance disposal teams to prevent potential harm to both civilians and personnel.
Following the operation, troops reportedly continued clearance activities in the forest area, using heavy equipment to dismantle structures believed to have been used as hideouts. Officials say these actions are part of a broader effort to deny armed groups access to remote forest cover often used for concealment and movement.
In a separate intelligence-led operation on the same day, troops of the 82 Division Garrison, operating in Adani, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, reportedly intercepted a suspected kidnapping syndicate following information provided by the Department of State Services.
The military stated that the raid led to the arrest of a suspect described as a key figure in a kidnapping network. During the operation, personnel allegedly recovered a pump-action firearm and ₦2 million in cash, which authorities believe may be linked to ransom payments. The suspect and recovered items have been transferred to relevant agencies for further investigation.
Security officials say the dual operations reflect ongoing efforts to dismantle what they describe as interconnected criminal networks involved in kidnapping, armed attacks, and other violent crimes in the region. They also argue that sustained pressure has weakened the operational capacity of these groups by disrupting their logistics, finances, and safe havens.
The Nigerian Army further stated that the operations are part of a wider mandate under Operation Udo Ka, which involves coordination between ground troops, air support, and intelligence agencies. The mission focuses on clearing identified criminal strongholds and preventing regrouping in forested areas across the South-East.
Military authorities insist that the latest operations demonstrate continued gains in their campaign against insecurity, noting that targeted strikes and intelligence-driven raids have become central to recent successes. They maintain that these efforts are aimed at restoring stability and ensuring freedom of movement for residents in affected communities.
However, the South-East has remained a complex security environment in recent years, with recurring clashes, allegations of armed group activity, and ongoing debates over the nature of violence in the region. While the military attributes such operations to counter-insurgency objectives, rights groups and observers often call for transparency and careful distinction between criminality and broader political grievances.
For now, the Army says it remains committed to maintaining pressure on armed groups and ensuring that all recovered suspects are handed over for proper investigation and prosecution. It also urged residents to continue providing intelligence support to security agencies as operations expand across forested and rural areas in the region.
The statement concludes that operations will continue until all identified criminal hideouts are dismantled and stability is restored across the South-East.
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