The Nigerian Army has reported that its troops, alongside other security agencies operating under Sector 1 of Operation UDO KA, successfully foiled an alleged attack by suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Enugu State. This incident occurred during an intelligence-led patrol on May 6, 2026, in the Imezi Owa community, Ezeagu Local Government Area of the State. The operation was part of ongoing efforts to track alleged terrorist collaborators within the community.

According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, troops advancing into the community on foot came under heavy attack from a building believed to be an IPOB/ESN hideout. Three personnel sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire, but the troops maintained operational dominance, repelled the attack, and secured the general area. The injured soldiers are currently receiving treatment at a military medical facility.

The military further claimed that during the gun battle, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) allegedly stored inside the building detonated, triggering a fire outbreak that completely razed the structure. Subsequent searches around the area reportedly led to the recovery of additional IEDs, improvised hand grenades, and a shrine. The military stated that the shrine was thoroughly combed and destroyed to prevent its continued use for criminal activities and to safeguard community members. Additionally, one suspected collaborator was arrested during follow-up operations and has been handed over to the Nigeria Police, Ezeagu Division, for further investigation.

The Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, reiterated its commitment to conducting professional military operations to protect lives and property in the region. Residents of Imezi Owa and neighboring communities were urged to remain calm, avoid harboring criminal elements, and cooperate with security agencies. The military also issued a stern warning to IPOB/ESN members and their supporters to desist from illegal activities or face the full consequences of their actions, emphasizing its resolve to dismantle criminal networks.

However, the Nigerian Army's explanation sharply contrasts with accounts from residents of the Imezi Owa community. Residents accused troops of the 82 Division Nigerian Army of deliberately setting residential houses ablaze during the raid. SaharaReporters reported allegations from residents of Akwuke-Umudim in Imezi Owa, who claimed that soldiers invaded their community and burned down residential compounds without explanation. Videos obtained by SaharaReporters reportedly showed several buildings engulfed in flames, with residents asserting that at least seven compounds and approximately 10 houses were razed during the incident.

Residents lamented the destruction, with some expressing that mostly elderly people and women remained in the community as many young men had fled. Disturbingly, there were allegations that an elderly sick woman was trapped inside one of the burning houses. Oliver Ezeani, a resident, informed SaharaReporters that the community was still assessing the scale of destruction, which they initially mistook for an attack by Fulani attackers before witnesses identified the Nigerian military as the perpetrators. He noted that as of the previous night, about 10 houses in seven compounds had been completely burnt down and that the reason for the invasion and burning remained unknown to the community.

This latest incident has intensified concerns among residents and human rights groups regarding allegations of excessive force and destruction of civilian property during military operations in Nigeria’s South-East region. Human rights organizations have consistently accused security agencies of arbitrary arrests, reprisal attacks, and the destruction of homes while carrying out anti-separatist operations linked to IPOB activities. Despite these repeated accusations from Nigerian security agencies, IPOB has consistently denied its involvement in violent attacks in the region.