Anambra Under Siege: Troops Decimate ESN Strongholds, Recover Weapons in Deadly Raids

Joint security forces in Anambra State have intensified operations against armed criminal elements and militant groups, specifically targeting strongholds within the Ogbaru Local Government Area. These coordinated efforts aim to dismantle criminal networks and prevent the establishment of operational bases by violent groups across the state and the broader South-East region.

One notable operation, led by troops of the Nigerian Army's Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with the military's Maritime Component, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Anambra Vigilante Group, raided suspected strongholds of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). This dawn offensive took place on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in identified locations within Obene and Abator villages, part of the Ochuche and Umunankwo communities. Troops encountered gunfire upon arrival, leading to the suspected IPOB/ESN members abandoning their positions and fleeing. During the pursuit and exchange of fire, one suspected member was killed, with bloodstains along the escape route indicating further injuries among the fleeing suspects. The operation successfully dislodged the group from these locations, preventing their continued use as operational bases. A search of the abandoned strongholds yielded significant recoveries, including two pump-action guns, two motorcycles, and crucially, materials suspected to be used for manufacturing improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The military described the seizure of explosive-making materials as a significant operational gain, as it would severely hamper the group's capability to produce explosive devices for attacks against security personnel, infrastructure, and civilians. Following the operation, troops established positions and commenced further searches to track fleeing members and prevent their regrouping, reaffirming their commitment to continuing operations under Operation UDO KA to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks.

In a separate but related intelligence-led operation in Amiyi, also within Ogbaru Local Government Area, six suspected members of an armed criminal group were neutralized during the early hours of a Saturday. This operation was part of ongoing efforts by a joint team comprising personnel from the Nigeria Police Force’s Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu; DSS; 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha; Nigerian Navy personnel from Ogbaru; and community-based Agunachamba operatives. The security team, acting on intelligence, trekked for approximately four hours through challenging terrain and dense palm forest to reach a suspected criminal camp. Upon sighting the operatives, the suspects initiated gunfire, resulting in a prolonged exchange. At the conclusion of the encounter, six suspected criminals were killed, while others fled, some reportedly sustaining gunshot injuries. Operatives recovered two pump-action guns and charms from the camp, and structures associated with the group were subsequently dismantled. Tragically, the operation also led to the death of one security operative and injury to another due to the detonation of an explosive device suspected to have been planted in the area. The injured operative is currently receiving medical treatment. The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the security personnel and community operatives for their courage and professionalism despite the difficult and hostile environment. He emphasized the operation's demonstration of the importance of intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation, and community support in confronting violent criminal elements and disrupting their operational bases. CP Ama commiserated with the family of the deceased operative and wished the injured a speedy recovery, assuring residents that intelligence-led operations, in collaboration with other agencies and stakeholders, would be sustained to dismantle criminal camps, recover illegal arms, and prevent violent groups from establishing operational bases across the state.