Army destroys IPOB/ESN stronghold in Anambra, sustains offensive in Southeast
Abdullateef Fowewe
Troops under Operation Eastern Sanity have dismantled another major stronghold of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Anambra State, the Nigerian Army announced Thursday.
In an official statement, the Army detailed aggressive clearance operations aimed at “restoring lasting peace and security in the region.”
The coordinated efforts, supported by other security agencies and Nigerian Air Force air cover, targeted Camp Gbadoanya in Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area.
On March 3, 2026, joint forces advanced to neutralize remnants of the terrorists.
“Several insurgent camps were identified, thoroughly exploited, and destroyed,” the statement noted.
Recovered items included pump-action guns, locally made dane guns, assorted rifle magazines, belts of ammunition, cutting machines, Biafran currencies, IED-making materials, and Biafran Army band equipment.
Troops also seized a Biafran flag and a “Biafran Army Headquarters” flag, which they destroyed before hoisting the Nigerian flag in the camps.
Operations continued on March 4, with troops razing additional camps and dismantling an IED fabrication site.
Discoveries included welding machines, drilling machines, filling machines, car batteries, an electrode welding handle, 12 locally fabricated guns, rifle components, and other explosives gear.
“Troops also discovered and dismantled an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) fabrication site, which was carefully exploited and destroyed,” the Army noted.
The offensive persists in Anambra and Imo states, signaling sustained pressure on IPOB/ESN activities amid ongoing security challenges in Nigeria’s southeast.
