Kehinde Fajobi
Troops of the Joint Task Force South-East, known as “Operation UDO KA,” have neutralised eight armed members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and arrested five others in Anambra State.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, Spokesman for Operation UDO KA, confirmed that Sector 5 troops engaged IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during a clearance operation in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra.
“The gallant troops, who were on clearance operation to identify IPOB/ESN Ogunka Camp, came in contact with the insurgents upon arrival. During the firefight, the insurgents attempted to flee but were met by the blocking force, leading to the neutralisation of five,” Unuakhalu said.
Items recovered from the insurgents included two AK-47 rifles, one pump-action gun, four Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and a 12V/75 amp battery used for detonating the IEDs.
Additionally, on January 13, 2025, troops apprehended five suspected IPOB/ESN members in Aguata Local Government Area.
The suspects, travelling in a black Ford Edge, were stopped by troops at a Forward Operating Base checkpoint, where one locally made pistol, three live cartridges, and nine mobile phones were recovered.
Unuakhalu also reported a deadly incident on January 8, when troops neutralised three insurgents during a routine patrol along Orsumoghu–Burrow Pit road in Anambra.
The explosion of an IED during a follow-up scan resulted in the death of one soldier.
Further, the troops responded to a distress call concerning kidnappers in Igbo-Eze Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The combined military forces rescued all kidnapped passengers, and efforts continue to uncover the kidnappers’ hideout.
Operation UDO KA has also ramped up its fight against illegal oil bunkering. On January 13, troops destroyed an illegal oil bunkering site in Egbema West, Imo, which contained 5,000 litres of illegal refined Dual Purpose Kerosene and 1,500 litres of Automotive Gas Oil.
Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, Force Commander of Operation UDO KA, urged citizens to continue supporting security forces with credible information to maintain peace in the South-East.
“Remember, security is everybody’s business. It is not in the hands of security agencies alone,” he said, encouraging the public to report suspicious activities via the JTF toll-free line – 193, Option 2.