ENUGU — Troops from the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 1 of Operation UDO KA, have successfully foiled an ambush attack by suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The incident occurred on 6 May during an intelligence-led patrol to the Imezi-Owa community in the Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division, Lieutenant-Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, detailed that the patrol was a follow-up operation aimed at tracking terrorist collaborators in the area.
“While troops were advancing on foot to the community, they were attacked from a building, resulting in injuries to three personnel,” Lt.-Col. Ayeni said.
Despite the assault, he confirmed that the troops maintained operational dominance, secured the general area, and promptly evacuated the wounded soldiers. They are currently receiving treatment at a military medical facility.
During the ensuing exchange of fire, a stockpile of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) stored inside the building—which served as the terrorists’ hideout—detonated, sparking a blaze that destroyed the structure.
Subsequent searches around the vicinity uncovered additional IEDs, improvised hand grenades, and a shrine used for ritual activities.
“The shrine was thoroughly combed and destroyed. This is to prevent continued usage for criminal activities and to safeguard the community members,” Lt.-Col. Ayeni added.
One collaborator was apprehended during exploitation operations in the general area. The suspect and all recovered items have been handed over to the Nigerian Police’s Ezeagu Division for further investigation.
Lt.-Col. Ayeni reassured law-abiding citizens of Imezi-Owa and surrounding areas to remain calm, refrain from harbouring criminal elements, and cooperate fully with security agencies.
“Headquarters Joint Task Force South-East Operation UDO KA hereby warn members of IPOB/ESN and their sympathisers to desist from illegal activities or face the full consequences of their actions as usual,” he said.
“Security forces remain resolute in their determination to build the peace in the region and will continue to dismantle criminal networks and deny terrorists any freedom of action.”
