Army Uncovers IEDs in Abia Forest, Dismantles Suspected IPOB Camp
Troops of the Nigerian Army attached to the 14 Brigade, Ohafia, have uncovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during a clearance operation in Umuchinma Forest, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State.
The discovery, made on Sunday, February 8, 2026, forms part of intensified operations aimed at curbing the activities of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
In a statement issued on Monday, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 14 Brigade, Captain Mazinho Atta, said the operation was conducted along the Umuchinma pipeline route leading into the forest as part of preparatory activities ahead of the Brigade’s Operation EASTERN SANITY offensive.
According to Atta, the troops uncovered two locally fabricated IEDs at about 9:00 a.m. The devices were constructed using 5kg gas cylinders packed with nails, water-gel explosives, two detonators, and electrical cables.
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He added that further exploitation of the area led to the recovery of four empty cartridge cases and two bags filled with nails.
“The troops also successfully cleared a camp belonging to the criminal elements. This success followed credible intelligence provided by a suspect currently under investigation, who had earlier confessed to being a subject-matter expert,” the statement said.
The Brigade Commander, Brigadier General A.M. Dikko, commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience, and determination. He noted that clearance operations in the Umuchinma Forest were ongoing.
Dikko assured residents that although the security situation within the Brigade’s area of responsibility remains relatively calm, it is still unpredictable. He emphasized that troops are maintaining maximum vigilance to forestall any threat.
Improvised explosive devices are locally assembled explosives often deployed by insurgent and criminal groups to cause destruction, inflict casualties, or instill fear. They vary in size and design, ranging from small concealed devices to larger explosive mechanisms capable of causing significant damage.
By PRNigeria
