Troops of the Nigerian Army attached to the 14 Brigade in Ohafia, Abia State, have discovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in a forest at Umuchinma, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area.
The discovery was made during intensified operations targeting the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), as part of preparations for the Brigade’s Operation EASTERN SANITY offensive.
In a statement on Monday, Captain Mazinho Atta, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 14 Brigade, said the IEDs were uncovered on February 8, 2026, at about 9:00 am, during clearance operations along the Umuchinma pipeline route leading into the forest.
He said the devices were locally fabricated using 5kg gas cylinders, nails, water-gel explosives, two detonators, and electrical cables. Further inspection of the area also led to the recovery of four empty cartridge cases and two bags filled with nails.
“The troops also successfully cleared a camp belonging to the criminal elements. This success followed credible intelligence provided by a suspect currently under investigation, who had earlier confessed to being a subject-matter expert,” the statement said.
Brigadier General A.M. Dikko, Brigade Commander, commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience, and determination, noting that further clearance operations in Umuchinma Forest were ongoing.
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He assured that while the security situation within the Brigade’s area of responsibility remained calm, it was still unpredictable, emphasizing that troops were maintaining maximum vigilance.
IEDs are locally manufactured bombs commonly used by terrorists, insurgents, and criminal groups to inflict damage, cause casualties, or create fear.
They are highly adaptable and can range from small, easily concealed devices to large vehicle-borne explosives capable of causing extensive destruction.