Troops from the newly formed 15 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have dismantled three suspected IPOB/ESN camps, recovering weapons, explosives, and other supplies during an operation in Anambra State. The operation took place early on Saturday, August 15, 2026, after receiving intelligence regarding activities by suspected IPOB/ESN members in the Osuakwa area, near the Ihiala and Ogbaru Local Government Areas boundary.
The troops, part of Joint Task Force South East under Operation UDO KA, were accompanied by personnel from the Department of State Services and members of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group. According to the Nigerian Army’s update on X, the joint forces faced hostile gunfire but effectively responded, overwhelming the assailants after intense combat.
The seizure included a range of weapons and explosives: an FN rifle with 10 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, a pump-action shotgun with five cartridges, 15 sticks of dynamite, along with four motorcycles, a gas cylinder, three hybrid batteries, two car batteries, and three handheld radio chargers.
Three suspected IPOB/ESN members were killed during the operation, and all three camps were successfully dismantled. Further investigation in the area led to the arrest of a suspected IPOB/ESN member named Chijioke, along with a man and a woman believed to be accomplices; they were found with six children.
The Commander of the 15 Brigade praised the troops, DSS personnel, and Vigilante Group members for their bravery, discipline, and excellent inter-agency collaboration. He cited the operation as another major blow to the criminal and terrorist groups attempting to disrupt peace and security in the South East.
The Nigerian Army reassured residents that the brigade will continue intelligence-led operations in partnership with other security forces and community stakeholders. The Brigade remains focused on preventing criminal activities and ensuring the safety of law-abiding citizens throughout Anambra State and the broader South-East region.
