Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation UDO KA have reopened a strategic road in Imo State that had been closed for over three years due to attacks by IPOB/ESN militants. During the operation, the Army also uncovered and destroyed an improvised explosive device (IED) factory.
The development was confirmed in a statement by Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division.
He said the joint clearance operations, conducted under Operation EASTERN SANITY, aimed to dismantle criminal enclaves and restore normalcy to affected communities.
Troops operating under the 34 Artillery Brigade, alongside personnel from the Nigerian Navy, Air Force, DSS, Police, and NSCDC, carried out the operation along the Lilu–Eketutu Road in the Orsu–Eketutu Mother Valley area on March 6, 2026.
“The road, a lifeline for the movement of people, goods, and services, had been abandoned for over three years due to persistent threats from militants,” Ayeni said.
Several IEDs were found and safely neutralized by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists, preventing potential casualties and restoring access to the route.
In a follow-up operation on March 11, 2026, troops cleared suspected IED locations in the Orsu–Ihiteukwa area, discovering an IPOB/ESN IED-making facility.
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Items recovered included Biafran flags, 7.62mm ammunition, pipes used for priming IEDs, pistol magazines, double-barrel guns, CCTV cameras, clips, and electrical wires.
Additional concealed IEDs were safely disconnected and destroyed.
Ayeni emphasized that the Army remains committed to sustaining pressure on criminal networks in Imo State and across the South-East. He urged the public to provide timely intelligence, noting that community cooperation is crucial to restoring lasting peace.
The raids follow similar operations in Anambra State, where security forces dismantled multiple camps belonging to IPOB and the Eastern Security Network.