Troops under the Joint Task Force South East, operating through Operation UDO KA, have stormed and dismantled what security authorities described as a major stronghold of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Mother Valley, Nkwere area of Anambra State.
The operation, carried out on February 26, 2026, involved personnel of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps under the Joint Task Force South East framework.
According to security sources, troops advanced on foot for over three hours through difficult terrain to access the valley, which had allegedly served as a long-standing operational base for suspected IPOB/ESN members.
During the confrontation, the armed elements reportedly deployed locally fabricated improvised explosive devices and opened heavy gunfire in an attempt to repel the advancing troops.
Security operatives, however, overpowered the group after an intense exchange. One suspect was confirmed dead, while others reportedly escaped with gunshot injuries.
The forces recovered a cache of items from the location, including two pump-action guns, one locally made firearm, a tear gas gun, seven gas cylinders, an electric kettle and flags said to be associated with separatist propaganda.
Security authorities also said they destroyed several structures within the camp, described as the group’s “Supreme Headquarters,” including solar power installations and a Mikano generator, in a move aimed at crippling the group’s logistics and operational capacity.
In a related development, an ambush team arrested two suspected members of the group.
One was apprehended while allegedly attempting to plant an improvised explosive device, while the other was said to have been monitoring troop movements.
Both suspects are currently in custody and undergoing profiling and investigation.
Troops also recovered a KIA saloon car and a black Toyota Sequoia SUV from what was described as a terrorist vehicle park within the valley.
Security officials said clearance operations are ongoing in the area to prevent any regrouping, reiterating that there will be no safe haven for criminal elements threatening peace in the South East.
They assured law-abiding residents of sustained security presence and protection, while warning that individuals engaged in violent activities would face decisive and lawful action.
