Troops Destroy IPOB/ESN Stronghold, Dismantle IED Factory in Anambra
Troops under Operation Eastern Sanity have intensified clearance operations against the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), destroying another suspected militant stronghold in Anambra State.
According to security sources, troops, in collaboration with other security agencies and supported by the Nigerian Air Force, conducted a coordinated operation on 3 March 2026 at Camp Gbadoanya in Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area. The operation targeted remnants of IPOB/ESN fighters believed to be operating within the camp and surrounding areas.
During the operation, several insurgent camps were identified and destroyed. Security forces recovered pump-action guns, locally made dane guns, rifle magazines, rifle components, belts of ammunition and cutting machines. Other items recovered include Biafran currencies, materials used for making improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and musical instruments reportedly used by the group.
Troops also recovered Biafran flags, including one marked as the Biafran Army Headquarters flag. The flags were destroyed and replaced with the Nigerian national flag at the captured camps.
In a follow-up operation on 4 March 2026, troops further cleared additional camps within the area and uncovered an IED fabrication site. The facility was dismantled and destroyed after it was thoroughly exploited.
Items recovered from the site include welding machines, drilling machines, filling machines, several car batteries, an electrode welding handle, twelve locally fabricated guns and other IED-making equipment.
Security forces say the ongoing operations are part of efforts to dismantle militant infrastructure and restore peace across affected communities in the South-East region.
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