Army Raid Abia Forest, Dismantles IPOB Ritual Shrine, Arrests 3 Militants
Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation UDO KA have dismantled a suspected ritual shrine linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during a security raid in Olokoro, Abia State.
The operation, which also led to the arrest of three suspects, targeted criminal hideouts believed to be used by kidnappers and ritualists in the area.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni**, said the mission was carried out by troops of the 14 Brigade as part of Operation Eastern Sanity, an initiative aimed at strengthening security across the South-East.
According to Ayeni, the troops acted on credible intelligence before storming several hideouts located within the forested areas of Olokoro on March 11, 2026. The locations were suspected to be operational bases for kidnappers and ritualists allegedly linked to IPOB and ESN activities.
“During the operation, troops uncovered a shrine reportedly used for ritual activities and spiritual fortification by IPOB/ESN elements. The shrine was subsequently destroyed to prevent its continued use as a sanctuary by criminal groups,” Ayeni said.
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The army spokesman disclosed that three suspects, all believed to be in their twenties and thirties, were apprehended during the raid.
He added that the suspects had previously been on the watch list of security agencies over allegations involving ritual sacrifices, murder, and the use of kidnapped victims for ritual purposes.
Security operatives also recovered several items from the scene, including identity cards, ATM cards, empty ammunition cases, a motorcycle, mobile phones, machetes, and a bag containing substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
Ayeni further revealed that the operation is ongoing, with troops continuing to comb the Olokoro forest and surrounding areas in search of additional camps linked to kidnappers and ritualists, as well as hidden arms and ammunition.
“The clearance operation remains ongoing as troops continue combing the Olokoro forest and adjoining areas to locate other camps, track down fleeing suspects, and recover weapons and other items used in criminal activities,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s determination to sustain pressure on criminal networks threatening peace and security in Abia State and across the South-East.
Ayeni also called on residents to support security efforts by providing timely and credible information, emphasizing that cooperation from local communities is crucial in dismantling criminal syndicates and restoring lasting peace in the region.
By PRNigeria
