Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Eastern Sanity have intensified their offensive across Nigeria’s South-East, targeting strongholds linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
According to a statement shared on the Nigerian Army’s Facebook page on Tuesday night, the latest operations have significantly disrupted the group’s activities forcing fighters into retreat and exposing what they describe as a weakening structure.
On April 14, joint forces under Sector 1, supported by the Air Component of Operation UDO KA, carried out a coordinated strike in Ajali Forest in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
It was gathered that the operation triggered a “chaotic withdrawal” by suspected IPOB/ESN members, who abandoned key equipment during their escape.
An anti-tank improvised explosive device (IED) was recovered, which officials said may have been intended for a major attack.
The device was safely secured and neutralised by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, preventing potential casualties among both troops and civilians.
The military stated that troops have since taken control of the area and are conducting sustained clearance operations.
Using heavy equipment, including bulldozers and chainsaws, soldiers have reportedly destroyed suspected hideouts in the forest, leaving little room for the group to reorganise.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops of the 82 Division Garrison stationed in Adani, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, acted on intelligence provided by the Department of State Services (DSS).
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The raid led to the arrest of a suspected kidnapper believed to be linked to a ransom collection network.
The troops recovered a pump-action rifle and ₦2 million in cash from the suspect’s residence.
Authorities say the money is suspected to be ransom proceeds, highlighting what they describe as the group’s reliance on criminal activities to fund its operations.
The suspect and recovered items have been handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation, with efforts ongoing to track down other members of the network.
The Nigerian Army says the combined operations have further weakened IPOB/ESN’s operational and financial capacity. It reaffirmed its commitment to continuing the offensive until all armed groups in the region are dismantled.
Military officials also called on residents to support ongoing operations by providing timely information, assuring the public of their resolve to restore lasting peace and security across the South-East.
