Troops Kill Eight Suspected ‘IPOB Members’ in Anambra, Recover Weapons

Troops from Operation UDO KA have reportedly neutralized eight suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) during a clearance operation in Anambra State. Jonah Unuakhalu, spokesperson for the operation, confirmed the incident in a statement, adding that five other suspects were apprehended.

The operation took place at the Ogunka Camp in Orumba South Local Government Area, where troops encountered resistance from the suspected IPOB members. According to Unuakhalu, five individuals were neutralized as they attempted to flee through a designated escape route, but the troops blocked their path.

Weapons recovered during the operation included two AK-47 rifles, one pump-action gun, four improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and a 12V/75-amp battery used for detonation.

In a separate operation on January 13, troops arrested five suspected IPOB and Eastern Security Network (ESN) members in Aguata Local Government Area. The suspects were intercepted along the Ogboji Aguluzenechikwu road while driving a black Ford Edge vehicle with registration number Abuja ABC 535 A. Upon searching the vehicle, the troops discovered a locally made pistol, three live cartridges, and nine mobile phones.

Unuakhalu also detailed another encounter on January 8, where troops patrolling the Orsumoghu–Burrow Pit road neutralized three suspected IPOB members. However, the operation was not without casualties, as a soldier lost his life when two IED cylinders exploded during an attempted detonation.

Additionally, troops in Sector 1 responded to a distress call involving the abduction of passengers traveling in Igbo-Eze Local Government Area of Enugu State. The swift intervention led to the release of all kidnapped passengers, with the final two victims freed yesterday. Efforts to locate the kidnappers’ hideout remain ongoing.