Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Sector 5 of Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, have gunned down three suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during a joint security operation in Anambra State.
The Army disclosed this in a post Issued on Wednesday via its X handle @HQNigerianArmy.
The Army authority said the operation, carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, followed intelligence reports on armed men allegedly disguising themselves in military camouflage and Nigeria Police uniforms to carry out attacks in parts of the state.
According to the Army, the suspects were tracked along the Ogboji–Ajali axis in Orumba South Local Government Area on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, while travelling in a white Toyota Sienna vehicle.
The joint security team intercepted the vehicle, triggering a fierce gun battle during which three of the suspected ESN operatives were killed.
Following the encounter, troops combed the area and recovered a cache of weapons, explosives and other items. Recovered exhibits included a PKM machine gun with 53 rounds of ammunition, two AK-47 rifles, additional rounds of 7.62mm and 5.56mm ammunition, four improvised explosive devices (IEDs), communication gadgets, a laptop and the vehicle allegedly used by the suspects.
Troops also recovered identification and financial documents believed to belong to members of the group.
The Army described the operation as a major success in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal and terrorist networks operating in the South-East. Troops have since launched follow-up operations to track down fleeing and wounded members of the group.
It said the outcome underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and sustained collaboration among security agencies in tackling insecurity across the region.
The Army further reassured residents of its commitment to denying criminal elements freedom of action and maintaining a safe environment for law-abiding citizens, while urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing security operations.
