Nigerian Army Hits IPOB/ESN Hideouts in Enugu, Seizes Explosives, ₦2m

Nigerian Army Hits IPOB/ESN Hideouts in Enugu, Seizes Explosives, ₦2m

Troops of the Nigerian Army have intensified counterinsurgency operations in Enugu State, launching coordinated raids on suspected hideouts of proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, Eastern Security Network, in a major security operation that led to the recovery of explosives, weapons, and ransom funds.

The operation, conducted under Operation EASTERN SANITY with air support from Operation UDO KA, targeted Ajali Forest in Ezeagu Local Government Area, a location identified by intelligence reports as a suspected operational base for armed criminal elements.

According to the Army, joint troops from Sector 1, supported by the Air Component, carried out a precision strike and clearance operation that forced suspected IPOB/ESN members to flee, abandoning key equipment and explosive devices.

During the raid, troops recovered an anti-tank Improvised Explosive Device (IED), which was immediately secured and neutralised by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, preventing what officials described as a potential large-scale attack.

Military authorities said the successful strike demonstrated growing pressure on armed groups in the South-East, noting that sustained clearance operations have continued to dismantle suspected IPOB/ESN hideouts in Enugu forests.

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In a separate intelligence-led operation in Adani, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, troops of the 82 Division Garrison, acting on information provided by the Department of State Services, tracked financial movements linked to a suspected kidnapping syndicate.

The operation led to the interception of ransom money amounting to ₦2 million, alongside the arrest of a suspected kidnapper. A search of the suspect’s residence also led to the recovery of a pump-action rifle, further linking the suspect to armed criminal activity.

The Army stated that the suspect and recovered items have been handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation aimed at identifying and dismantling wider criminal networks.

“The operations have significantly degraded the operational and financial capabilities of criminal elements in the region,” the Army said, adding that continued pressure is forcing them into retreat and disorganisation.

Officials also confirmed that ongoing clearance missions, supported by intelligence and aerial surveillance, are being sustained across forested areas in Enugu and neighbouring states to prevent regrouping of armed cells.

The military reiterated its commitment to restoring security across Nigeria’s South-East, urging residents to support intelligence sharing and community vigilance as operations continue.

Nigerian Army Hits IPOB/ESN Hideouts in Enugu, Seizes Explosives, ₦2m