Troops Dismantle Notorious IPOB/ESN Fortress in Anambra

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) South East, operating under Operation UDO KA (OPUK), have dismantled what was described as a major stronghold of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, in Anambra State.

The offensive, part of ongoing efforts to stabilise the South-East, was carried out on Thursday, February 26, 2026. It focused on an area known as “Mother Valley” in Nkwere, a dense forest zone reportedly used as a command and operational base by suspected criminal elements.

In a statement shared on its official X handle on Friday, the Nigerian Army said troops advanced for over three hours through challenging terrain to breach the fortified enclave.

“The combined troops demonstrated exceptional courage, discipline, and professionalism to penetrate and dominate the valley despite fierce resistance,” the statement said.

According to the military, the armed group deployed locally fabricated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and opened heavy gunfire in an attempt to repel the advancing forces. The joint operation, involving personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, reportedly overpowered the resistance.

One suspected IPOB member was said to have been killed during the exchange, while others fled with gunshot injuries.

A subsequent sweep of the area led to the recovery of weapons and other materials. Items reportedly seized included two pump-action rifles, a locally made firearm, a tear gas gun, seven gas cylinders allegedly used in the production of IEDs, and flags described as extremist propaganda materials.

The military also destroyed infrastructure within the forest camp, including solar panels and a Mikano generator allegedly powering the group’s command centre, in what it described as a move to weaken the group’s operational capacity.

In a related action within the same vicinity, troops reportedly apprehended two suspected IPOB members. One was arrested while allegedly attempting to plant an IED, while the other was accused of monitoring troop movements. Security operatives also recovered a KIA saloon car and a black Toyota Sequoia SUV from a parking area inside the enclave.

The military reiterated its determination to rid the region of criminal networks, warning that there would be no safe haven for those engaged in violent activities.

The arrested suspects are currently in custody undergoing profiling and investigation, as security forces continue clearance operations aimed at securing full control of the area.