“Troops Dislodge IPOB/ESN Fighters, Nab Kidnap Suspects in South-East” – Army

Troops of the Nigerian Army have achieved key operational successes in the South-East and South-South, removing armed IPOB/ESN elements from strategic locations and arresting individuals linked to kidnapping.

A military source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that soldiers of Operation UDO KA targeted suspected IPOB/ESN fighters in the Mother Valley area of Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra. The operation followed intelligence indicating that the group planned to enforce an illegal sit-at-home order on February 2.

Ground forces, supported by aerial surveillance, carried out coordinated operations that forced the fighters to retreat into nearby forests. Radio intercepts and aerial monitoring indicated that several militants were neutralised, while troops maintained a presence to intercept those attempting to flee.

In Ebonyi State, soldiers acting on intelligence uncovered a mass burial site in Amasiri, Afikpo North Local Government Area. The site contained corpses suspected to be victims of previous attacks on local communities. One of the recovered bodies was identified as a recently missing person and was taken to a morgue in Afikpo for investigation.

Meanwhile, in Edo State, troops of the 4 Brigade, working alongside the Nigeria Police, arrested five suspected kidnappers during a raid in Agbede Forest, Etsako West Local Government Area. The operation led to the recovery of two motorcycles, five mobile phones, and a power bank reportedly linked to the suspects’ activities. All individuals and recovered items were handed over to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation.

The military source emphasized that these operations demonstrate sustained pressure on criminal and secessionist elements, improved intelligence coordination, and a continued commitment to restoring security and stability across the South-East and South-South regions.