The Nigerian Army said its troops of Sector 1, Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with other security agencies, while on an intelligence-led patrol mission to Imezi Owa community, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, on May 6, 2026, foiled an attack by suspected terrorists of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and the Eastern Security Network, ESN.
It said the patrol was a follow-up to the tracking of terrorist collaborators in the community.
A statement signed by Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, said that while troops were advancing on foot into the community, they came under attack from a building, resulting in injuries to three personnel.
It said that despite the attack, troops maintained operational dominance, foiled the attack and secured the general area, while the injured personnel were promptly evacuated.
“The wounded personnel are currently receiving treatment at a military medical facility,” the statement said.
The statement added that “during the exchange of fire, Improvised Explosive Devices stored by the terrorists in the building used as their hideout detonated, triggering a fire outbreak that destroyed the hideout.”
It said that “subsequent searches around the general area uncovered more IEDs, improvised hand grenades and a shrine used for ritual activities.
“The shrine was thoroughly combed and destroyed to prevent its continued use for criminal activities and to safeguard community members.
“One collaborator was apprehended during the operation around the general area. The arrested suspect and recovered items have been handed over to the Nigerian Police, Ezeagu Division, for further investigation.”
The army reassured the general public that ongoing operations are being conducted with utmost professionalism and a firm commitment to protecting lives and property.
It urged law-abiding residents of Imezi Owa community and its environs to remain calm, desist from harbouring criminal elements and cooperate with security agencies.
Headquarters Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, warned members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN and their sympathisers to desist from illegal activities or face the full consequences of their actions.
It said security forces remain resolute in their determination to restore peace in the region and will continue to dismantle criminal networks and deny terrorists freedom of action.
