By Sabiu Abdullahi
Nigerian troops under Operation Eastern Sanity have intensified their offensive against the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in parts of the South-East.
The military said the ongoing operations are aimed at dismantling insurgent camps and restoring security in the region.
According to a statement, troops carried out a coordinated operation on March 3, 2026, at Camp Gbadoanya in Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. The operation involved other security agencies and received close air support from the Nigerian Air Force.
The joint team moved into the area to flush out suspected IPOB and ESN fighters operating within the camp and nearby locations.
During the raid, security forces discovered several camps used by the insurgents. The camps were searched and later destroyed.
Items recovered from the location included pump-action guns, locally made Dane guns, rifle magazines, rifle components, belts of ammunition and cutting machines. Troops also found Biafran currencies, materials suspected to be used for making improvised explosive devices, as well as musical instruments believed to belong to a Biafran Army band.
Security forces also recovered a Biafran flag and a Biafran Army Headquarters flag. The troops destroyed the flags and raised the Nigerian flag at the camp.
The military said the operation continued the following day. On March 4, 2026, troops destroyed additional camps within the same area.
During the follow-up operation, soldiers located a site used for assembling improvised explosive devices. The facility was dismantled and destroyed after it was examined.
Recovered equipment from the site included welding machines, drilling machines and filling machines. Troops also seized several car batteries, one electrode welding handle, twelve locally fabricated guns and rifle components, along with other materials suspected to be used for producing explosive devices.
The military said operations against IPOB and ESN fighters will continue across the region as part of efforts to maintain security and stability.
