Troops Dismantle IPOB/ESN Stronghold in Anambra, Eliminate Militants, Arrest Scores
Troops of the Joint Task Force South East (JTF-SE) under Operation UDO KA have stormed and dismantled a notorious insurgent enclave known as “Mother Valley” in Nkwere, Anambra State, in what security authorities described as a decisive assault on IPOB/ESN elements operating in the area.
The operation, carried out on February 26, 2026, involved a coordinated final foot advance by personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The troops reportedly advanced for more than three hours through difficult terrain before penetrating and taking control of the valley, long considered a stronghold of the proscribed group.
Military sources said the troops encountered stiff resistance during the operation, with the insurgents deploying locally fabricated hand-held improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and engaging the advancing forces with heavy gunfire. Despite the resistance, security operatives overpowered the group, neutralising one suspected IPOB member, while several others reportedly fled the scene with gunshot wounds.
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A cache of weapons and logistics items was recovered during the clearance operation. Items seized included two pump-action guns, a locally fabricated firearm, a tear gas gun, seven gas cylinders, an electric kettle and flags said to be associated with extremist propaganda.
Security forces also destroyed what was described as the terrorists’ “Supreme Headquarters” within the valley, dismantling life-support infrastructure such as solar panels and a Mikano generator believed to have sustained their operations.
In a related development, an ambush team arrested two suspected IPOB members in separate incidents within the area. One of the suspects was apprehended while allegedly attempting to plant an IED, while the other was identified as a suspected informant accused of monitoring troop movements.
Additionally, troops recovered a KIA saloon car and a black Toyota Sequoia jeep from what was described as a terrorist car park inside the valley. The suspects are currently in custody and undergoing profiling and further investigation.
Security authorities said clearance operations are ongoing to prevent any regrouping by criminal elements and to deny them freedom of movement within the area.
The latest offensive forms part of sustained efforts by Operation UDO KA to dismantle armed networks and restore security across the South-East. Authorities assured residents of continued security presence and urged law-abiding citizens to go about their normal activities, while warning that criminal elements would face decisive and lawful force.
By PRNigeria
