In a series of coordinated operations across the country, the Nigerian Army has captured high-profile members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), along with 23 other suspects, while neutralizing several terrorists and dismantling criminal networks.
According to a statement from Army Headquarters, the nationwide operations conducted within the last 48 hours also led to the surrender of 11 family members of terrorists and the discovery of multiple illegal oil refining sites in the South-South region.
The military said the decisive onslaughts — spanning the North-East, South-East, South-South, and North-Central regions — were part of ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability across the country.
In Imo State, troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade engaged IPOB/ESN elements at a known crossing point in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, killing three armed militants after a fierce gun battle. Recovered items included one AK-47 rifle, two magazines loaded with 7.62mm special ammunition, one pump-action gun, two communication radios, and an improvised explosive device (IED) battery.
Similarly, troops of the 14 Brigade in Abia State arrested a notorious enforcer of the illegal sit-at-home order and recovered two motorcycles, a knife, and several ATM cards used to finance subversive activities.
In Benue State, under Operation Whirl Stroke, troops arrested four key collaborators linked to wanted IPOB/ESN commander Maduabuchi Nwankwo, also known as Emergency. The suspects — the fugitive’s wife and brothers — were apprehended in Iballakwu village with mobile devices used for coordinating logistics, IED materials, and financial transactions.
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai repelled an attempted attack by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on Kukawa town in Borno State. A vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) was destroyed by a T-55 tank, and a suicide bomber was neutralized, forcing the insurgents to flee.
Eleven family members of ISWAP fighters, including four women and seven children, also surrendered to troops at Mayanti and Tango 16 in Bama Local Government Area. In a separate operation, troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade safely detonated three IEDs along the Dikwa–Ajiri Road, while Sector 3 troops arrested five suspects in Monguno for further investigation.
In the South-South, troops intensified the crackdown on oil theft, uncovering several illegal refining sites in Rivers State containing about 2,600 litres of stolen crude oil and adulterated diesel, along with refining equipment. In Delta State, three suspects were arrested in Ughelli North with 4,000 litres of illegally refined products, a vehicle, and a motorcycle.
The Nigerian Army described the operations as part of its sustained, intelligence-driven strategy to dismantle terrorist and criminal infrastructures nationwide.
It reaffirmed its commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and assured citizens that the tempo of operations would be maintained until lasting peace and security are fully restored.
