The Nigerian Army, in a joint operation with other security operatives, successfully engaged members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in their long-standing enclave at Mother Valley in Nkwerre, Imo State. This operation, conducted on Thursday by troops of Operation Udo Ka – which includes soldiers, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps – resulted in the neutralization of one suspected IPOB member and the arrest of two others.

The joint security team advanced "relentlessly" for over three hours through difficult and restricted terrain to reach the IPOB hideout. Despite fierce resistance from the separatists, who employed locally made hand-held improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and heavy gunfire, the troops decisively overwhelmed the hostile elements. While one IPOB member was killed, several others fled with gunshot wounds, leading to the effective shattering of their defensive positions and operational cohesion.

During the operation, troops recovered several items, including two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated gun, one tear gas gun, seven gas cylinders, an electric kettle, and flags linked to the group. Furthermore, critical life-support structures at what the army described as the terrorists’ Supreme Headquarters in the valley were destroyed. These included solar panels and a Mikano generator, dealing a significant blow to the operational sustainability of the group within that location.

In a related operation, an ambush team successfully apprehended two suspected IPOB members. One of the arrested individuals was reportedly attempting to place an IED, while the other was identified as a spy monitoring troop movements. Both suspects are currently in custody, undergoing profiling and further investigation. Additionally, a KIA saloon car and a black Toyota Sequoia SUV were recovered from the group’s car park within the valley.

The Nigerian Army affirmed that this decisive operation serves as a clear warning to all criminal elements, stating there will be no hiding place or sanctuary for them. The army reiterated its unwavering commitment to dismantling all terrorist networks across Nigeria's South-east region, assuring law-abiding citizens of sustained security presence and protection. IPOB, a group advocating for a sovereign state of Biafra from parts of Nigeria's South-east and South-south, has been linked to various deadly attacks in these regions, although the group has consistently denied involvement.