By Harriet Tornguvan
Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) South East under Operation UDO KA have successfully stormed and dismantled a major stronghold of suspected Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) elements in Mother Valley, Nkwere area of Anambra State, in what security authorities described as a decisive and coordinated military operation.
The operation, carried out on February 26, 2026, involved personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who launched a final foot assault into the enclave long identified as a hub for criminal activities in the region.
According to military sources, troops advanced for over three hours through difficult terrain to penetrate the valley despite stiff resistance from the armed group. The attackers reportedly deployed locally fabricated hand-held improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and engaged troops with heavy gunfire in an attempt to halt the advance.
However, the joint forces maintained momentum and successfully overwhelmed the hostile elements. One suspected IPOB member was neutralised during the encounter, while several others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds, forcing a collapse of the group’s defensive positions.
Security operatives recovered a cache of weapons and logistics equipment from the location, including two pump-action guns, a locally fabricated firearm, a tear gas launcher, seven gas cylinders, an electric kettle, and flags believed to be associated with extremist propaganda.
Troops also destroyed key operational facilities described as the group’s “Supreme Headquarters” within the valley. Items destroyed included solar-powered installations and a Mikano generator allegedly used to sustain operations in the hideout.
In a related development, an ambush team arrested two suspected members of the group one allegedly caught attempting to plant an improvised explosive device, while the other was identified as a suspected informant monitoring troop movements. Security forces also recovered a KIA saloon car and a black Toyota Sequoia jeep from a makeshift terrorist vehicle park within the area.
The suspects are currently in custody undergoing profiling and further investigation, while clearance operations continue across the valley to prevent the regrouping of criminal elements.
Military authorities stated that the operation underscores the resolve of security agencies to dismantle violent networks and restore lasting peace across the South East. They assured residents of sustained security presence and urged law-abiding citizens to continue supporting security agencies with credible information.
The Armed Forces reiterated that criminal groups would find no safe haven, stressing that decisive and lawful actions would continue against all threats to national peace and stability.
