A major breakthrough in security efforts was recorded in Anambra State as police operatives uncovered and destroyed a local bomb-making facility in a secessionist hideout located in Isseke, Ihiala Local Government Area.
The operation, conducted on Saturday, was led by a joint security task force made up of the police, the military, and personnel from the Anambra State Vigilante Service.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the state police spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, the hideout had been a formidable base for the secessionist group for over two years, serving as a launchpad for violent activities across the region.
Ikenga stated, “The joint security team comprising the police, military and operatives of the Anambra State Vigilante Service on May 24, 2025, extended offensive operations to a criminal hideout at Isseke, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.”
“During the operation, a local bomb factory was destroyed, while assorted locally made improvised explosive devices were recovered and demobilised.”
He further revealed the strategic importance of the site, emphasizing the challenges faced by security operatives over the years.
“The criminal camp is one of the last strongholds of the secessionist group that was impregnable for over two years which the hoodlums used to wreck havoc in the state.”
An explosive buried near the site was triggered during the raid, causing notable damage.
“It is pertinent to report that one of the IEDs buried around the Camp exploded during the onslaught and created a destructive impact on the road.”
“The IED acted as a shield to prevent the Joint Forces from accessing the facility. Meanwhile, no life was lost during the operation,” Ikenga added.
The police spokesperson affirmed that the combined security forces have maintained a strong presence in the area and continue efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
“The security forces have sustained the operational security dominance and advancement aimed at fully reclaiming the area from the criminals,” he concluded.
