Operatives of the Joint Task Force, Operation UDO KA, have carried out a major offensive on Mother Valley, a stronghold of the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) located in Nkwere, Anambra State, killing one fighter and injuring several others.
A military source disclosed to The Nation on Friday that the raid, which lasted more than three hours on Thursday, February 26, resulted in the destruction of the group’s base in the area.
The source said, “During the intense engagement, the criminals employed locally made hand-held IEDs and heavy gunfire in a desperate attempt to halt the advance.
“Undeterred, troops decisively overwhelmed the hostile elements, neutralizing one IPOB member while several others fled with gunshot wounds, effectively shattering their defensive positions and operational cohesion.”
He added that troops recovered a substantial cache of arms and supplies during the operation, according to TheNation.
Items reportedly seized include two pump-action guns, a locally fabricated firearm, a tear gas gun, seven gas cylinders, an electric kettle, and flags said to be associated with extremist propaganda.
“A significant cache of weapons and logistics was recovered, including two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated gun, one tear gas gun, seven gas cylinders, an electric kettle, and flags linked to extremist propaganda.
“Troops also destroyed all life-support structures at the terrorists’ Supreme Headquarters in the valley, including solar panels and a Mikano generator, dealing a critical blow to their operational sustainability.”
According to the source, two suspected members of IPOB were apprehended while allegedly attempting to plant an improvised explosive device and monitor troop movements in the area.
The suspects are currently in custody for profiling and further investigation, the source said, as troops sustain intensified clearance operations to deny the criminals freedom of action.
Describing the mission as decisive, the source stressed that it sends a strong message to criminal groups operating in the region.
The source said the “decisive operation” had sent a clear warning to criminal elements that there would be “no hiding place, no sanctuary and no escape,” adding that the Nigerian Army remains resolute and committed to dismantling terrorist networks across the South-East and the country.
