Troops of Sector 1 of Operation UDO KA have destroyed a suspected hideout linked to members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, during a security operation in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, who said the operation was carried out on May 6 following intelligence reports about alleged terrorist collaborators in the community.
According to Ayeni, troops conducting an intelligence-led patrol in collaboration with other security agencies encountered resistance from armed men reportedly operating from a building suspected to be an IPOB/ESN hideout.
“While troops were advancing on foot to the community, they were attacked from a building, resulting in injuries to three personnel,” Ayeni stated.
He added that despite the assault, the troops maintained control of the situation and successfully repelled the attackers.
“Despite the attack, troops maintained operational dominance, foiled the attack and secured the general area,” he said.
The Army further revealed that improvised explosive devices allegedly stockpiled inside the building exploded during the gunfire exchange, causing a fire outbreak that razed the structure.
“During the exchange of fire, improvised explosive devices stored by the terrorists in the building used as their hideout detonated and triggered a fire outbreak that destroyed the hideout,” the statement noted.
Following the operation, security personnel reportedly recovered additional explosive materials, including improvised explosive devices and locally made hand grenades. Troops also uncovered and destroyed what the Army described as a shrine allegedly used for ritual activities.
“The shrine was thoroughly searched and destroyed to prevent further criminal use,” Ayeni said.
The military also confirmed the arrest of one suspected collaborator, who has since been handed over to the Ezeagu Division of the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.
The Army appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid providing shelter to criminal elements, warning individuals associated with IPOB and ESN to refrain from unlawful activities.
“Security forces remain resolute in their determination to build peace in the region and will continue to dismantle criminal networks and deny terrorists any freedom of action,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, videos circulating online allegedly showed several houses engulfed in flames, with residents claiming that at least seven compounds and about 10 houses were affected during the incident. In one of the videos, locals alleged that an elderly sick woman was trapped in one of the burning buildings.
The Army had yet to respond to those claims as of the time of filing this report.
