Troops Crush ESN/IPOB Hideout in Imo’s Mother Valley, Arrest Suspects

Joint military forces under Operation UDO KA have successfully overrun a suspected Eastern Security Network (ESN)/Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) hideout in the Mother Valley area of Orsu Local Government, Imo State, following a coordinated ground assault on February 26, 2026.

A credible source at the Nigerian Army told reporters that the operation involved personnel from the Army, Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Troops advanced on foot for over three hours through restricted and difficult terrain to reach the suspected militant camp.

The joint team encountered heavy resistance from ESN/IPOB fighters who employed locally-made Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and intense gunfire. Despite this, the troops displayed professionalism and resilience, overcoming defensive positions and dominating the valley.

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During the operation, one suspected militant was neutralised, while several others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds. Two suspects were apprehended—one attempting to plant an IED, and another alleged to be spying on troop movements. Both are now in the custody of the 34 Military Intelligence for profiling and further investigation.

Authorities recovered multiple items from the hideout, including two pump-action guns, a locally-fabricated firearm, a tear gas gun, seven gas cylinders, a Biafran flag, a United States flag, and an Israeli flag. Troops also destroyed key life-support structures, including solar panels and a Mikano generator, used by the militants.

Vehicles belonging to the militants, including a Kia saloon and a black Toyota Sequoia SUV, were also seized and are being moved to a Forward Operating Base in Orsu.

This operation is part of sustained military efforts to dismantle cross-state militant networks, neutralize armed groups, and restore peace and security in the South-East. Local residents have been urged to provide credible intelligence to support ongoing security operations and ensure the safety of communities.

Troops Crush ESN/IPOB Hideout in Imo’s Mother Valley, Arrest Suspects

DSS Apprehends Alleged Mastermind of Ayetoro ECWA Church Attack in Kogi

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested Shafiu Usman, the alleged mastermind behind the December 14, 2025 attack on ECWA Church in Ayetoro, Kogi State, in which worshippers were abducted during a church service.

Security sources said Usman was apprehended at a hideout in Gombe State, where he had reportedly gone into hiding following the attack. During interrogation, he confessed to orchestrating the Ayetoro church attack and other kidnapping operations in Niger, Kwara, and Kogi States.

Investigators revealed that Usman collaborated with Ibrahim Dange Battijo, a notorious bandit operating across Niger, Kwara, Kogi, and Zamfara States, who allegedly supplied arms and coordinated criminal operations with him.

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“After the Kogi attack, Usman fled to Gombe, but DSS operatives tracked and arrested him,” a source said. The DSS highlighted that the arrest underscores ongoing efforts to dismantle cross-state banditry and terrorism networks, as well as neutralize arms-trafficking operations and rescue kidnapped victims.

The suspect remains in DSS custody and is expected to be arraigned soon as investigations continue into the church attack and other linked criminal activities.

The December 2025 Ayetoro church abduction had sparked nationwide outrage, highlighting the rising insecurity and threat of banditry in North-Central Nigeria. DSS officials have reassured the public of their commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens and securing places of worship.

DSS Apprehends Alleged Mastermind of Ayetoro ECWA Church Attack in Kogi

Alleged Forgery: Court Grants Mike Ozekhome, Co-Defendant ₦10m Bail Each

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Maitama has granted ₦10 million bail each to senior lawyer Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and his co-defendant, Ponfa Useni, following their arraignment on a 12-count charge bordering on alleged forgery and fraudulent documentation.

Justice Chizoba Oji admitted the defendants to bail on Friday after they pleaded not guilty to all the charges filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

The prosecution alleged that the defendants forged several documents, including an international passport and an irrevocable power of attorney, which were allegedly used to lay claim to a London property said to have been unlawfully procured by the late Jeremiah Useni.

According to the charge, the disputed documents were allegedly presented as genuine to assert ownership over the foreign property, an act the prosecution said contravenes Nigeria’s criminal laws on forgery and false representation.

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During the bail hearing, prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) informed the court that the prosecution did not oppose the bail applications. The applications were moved by Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) for Ozekhome and F R Onoja (SAN) for Useni.

In her ruling, Justice Oji ordered that each defendant must provide one surety in like sum of ₦10 million, with the surety owning verifiable property within the Federal Capital Territory. The court also directed both defendants to deposit their international passports with the court registry.

The judge noted that because the proceedings took place on a Friday, the defendants would be allowed to return home if unable to perfect their bail conditions immediately. However, they were ordered to report back to court on Monday to complete the bail process, failing which they would be remanded in prison custody.

The matter was adjourned to a later date for the commencement of trial, as the court prepares to hear evidence on the alleged forgery and the circumstances surrounding the disputed London property.

The case has attracted public interest due to Ozekhome’s standing as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, constitutional lawyer, and human rights activist, as well as the cross-border nature of the alleged property transaction.

Alleged Forgery: Court Grants Mike Ozekhome, Co-Defendant ₦10m Bail Each