The Nigerian Army has said its troops destroyed a suspected ritual shrine and recovered improvised explosive devices during an operation against alleged members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, in Enugu State.
The operation, carried out by troops of Sector 1, Operation UDO KA, took place in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of the state. According to the military, the operation followed intelligence reports linking some persons in the community to activities of IPOB and ESN.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Nigerian Army said troops conducted the operation alongside other security agencies as part of ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity in the South-East region. The statement was signed by the acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni.
The Army explained that the troops came under attack while moving into the community on an intelligence-led patrol. According to the statement, gunmen allegedly opened fire from a building believed to be used as a hideout by members of IPOB and ESN.
The military said the attack led to injuries to three soldiers during the exchange of gunfire. The injured personnel were later evacuated to a military medical facility for treatment.
“While troops were advancing on foot to the community, they were attacked from a building, resulting in injuries to three personnel,” the statement said.
“Despite the attack, troops maintained operational dominance, foiled the attack and secured the general area,” it added.
The Army further disclosed that explosives allegedly stored inside the building detonated during the gun battle, causing a fire outbreak that destroyed the structure said to be used as a hideout by the suspected gunmen.
“During the exchange of fire, improvised explosive devices stored by the terrorists in the building used as their hideout detonated and triggered a fire outbreak that destroyed the hideout,” the statement added.
Following the operation, troops reportedly carried out a search of the surrounding area and recovered additional improvised explosive devices, locally made hand grenades and a shrine allegedly used for ritual activities.
According to the military, the shrine was later destroyed to prevent it from being used again for criminal purposes. One suspected collaborator was also arrested during the operation and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Ezeagu Division, for further investigation.
The Army urged residents of the community to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could help tackle criminal activities in the area. It also warned individuals allegedly linked to IPOB and ESN to abandon violent activities or face the full weight of the law.
“Security forces remain resolute in their determination to build peace in the region and will continue to dismantle criminal networks and deny terrorists any freedom of action,” the statement said.
The operation has again drawn attention to the security situation in the South-East, where security agencies have intensified operations against armed groups blamed for attacks on security personnel, government facilities and civilians.
The Indigenous People of Biafra is a separatist group seeking the creation of an independent Biafra nation from Nigeria’s South-East region. The group has been outlawed by the Federal Government, which declared it a terrorist organisation in 2017. IPOB, however, has repeatedly denied involvement in violent attacks across the region.
The Eastern Security Network was created by IPOB in 2020, with the group claiming it was established to protect communities in the South-East from attacks by criminal elements and armed herders. However, Nigerian security agencies have accused ESN members of being involved in violent attacks, killings and destruction of public property in the region.
Over the past few years, states in the South-East, including Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia and Ebonyi, have witnessed repeated attacks on police stations, correctional facilities and offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission. Security operatives have also been targets of deadly ambushes carried out by gunmen.
In response, the military and other security agencies launched several joint operations aimed at restoring peace and tracking down armed groups operating in forests and rural communities. Operation UDO KA is one of the major security operations currently active in the region.
Despite these efforts, many communities in the South-East continue to experience fear and tension due to clashes between security agencies and armed groups. Residents have repeatedly expressed concerns over rising violence, destruction of property and the impact of insecurity on businesses and daily life.
Meanwhile, videos circulating on social media after the latest operation showed several buildings engulfed in flames, with some residents claiming that at least seven compounds and about 10 houses were destroyed during the incident.
The videos, which spread widely online, sparked reactions from community members and social media users, some of whom raised concerns about the level of destruction caused during the operation.
As of the time of filing this report, the Army had not officially confirmed the extent of damage to civilian property shown in the videos. However, local residents alleged that houses close to the scene of the gun battle were affected by the fire outbreak that followed the explosion.
Community leaders in parts of the South-East have in recent times appealed to both security agencies and armed groups to avoid actions that could endanger innocent civilians. Human rights organisations have also called for caution during military operations to prevent civilian casualties and destruction of homes.
The Federal Government has repeatedly insisted that it will not tolerate separatist violence or attacks on security formations. At the same time, political leaders and traditional rulers in the region have continued to call for peaceful engagement and dialogue as part of efforts to restore lasting peace.
For residents of Imezi Owa and nearby communities, the latest operation has left many people worried about safety and the possibility of further violence. While some residents welcomed the military action against criminal groups, others expressed concern over the destruction of homes and property reportedly linked to the incident.
As security operations continue across the South-East, many Nigerians are hoping for improved peace and stability in the region, which has faced years of tension, fear and repeated violent clashes.