Soldiers under Operation Eastern Sanity have dismantled several camps belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, during coordinated operations in Anambra State.
The Nigerian Army said the operations were carried out at Camp Gbadoanya in Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area, on March 3 and 4, leading to the recovery of weapons, explosive materials and secessionist items.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Army disclosed that the operation was conducted jointly with other security agencies and supported by close air assistance from the Nigerian Air Force.
“Troops of Operation EASTERN SANITY is sustaining aggressive clearance operations against the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), within the Area of Operations. The coordinated operation is aimed at restoring lasting peace and security in the region.
“On 3 March 2026, troops in conjunction with other security agencies, with close air support from the Nigerian Air Force continued the ongoing clearance operations at Camp Gbadoanya in Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. The joint force advanced to clear remnants of IPOB/ESN terrorists operating in the camp and its surrounding areas,” the Army stated.
According to the statement, troops combed through the camp and surrounding areas, identifying and destroying several hideouts used by the group.
Items recovered during the first phase of the operation included pump-action guns, locally made dane guns, assorted rifle magazines, rifle working parts, belts of ammunition, cutting machines, and materials used in making improvised explosive devices.
Other items recovered were Biafran currencies and musical instruments said to belong to a Biafran Army band.
“A Biafran flag and a Biafran Army Headquarters flag were also recovered. Troops destroyed the flags and hoisted Nigerian flag in the camps,” the Army added.
Operations continued the following day with troops destroying additional camps within the Gbadoanya area.
The military said one of the major discoveries during the second phase of the operation was a fully functional facility used for the fabrication of improvised explosive devices.
“Troops also discovered and dismantled an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) fabrication site, which was carefully exploited and destroyed.
“Several IED-making items were recovered from the sites. These include, several welding machines, drilling machines and filling machines.
“Several car batteries, one electrode welding handle, twelve locally fabricated guns and rifle components, as well as other IED equipment,” the statement added.
The Nigerian military has intensified its offensive against IPOB and the ESN in parts of the South-East in recent months.
Earlier operations saw troops dislodging the group from the Lilu Forest in Ihiala Local Government Area.
In February 2026, soldiers also raided a command hub in Nkwere where one militant was neutralised and two others arrested.
In July 2025, troops arrested a suspected logistics supplier linked to IPOB/ESN operations in Ihiala, recovering POS machines and cash believed to have been used to fund separatist activities.
The Federal Government declared IPOB a proscribed organisation in 2017.
