Troops destroy IPOB/ESN camps, IED facility in Anambra

Troops destroy IPOB/ESN camps, IED facility in Anambra

Soldiers of Operation EASTERN SANITY have dismantled multiple camps belonging to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.

The operations which took place at Camp Gbadoanya in Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, led to the recovery of weapons on March 3 and 4, explosive components, and secessionist paraphernalia in the process.

A statement on Thursday by the Nigerian Army noted that the operations were carried out jointly with other security agencies and backed by close air support from the Nigerian Air Force.

“Troops of Operation EASTERN SANITY is sustaining aggressive clearance operations against the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), within the Area of Operations. The coordinated operation is aimed at restoring lasting peace and security in the region.

“On 3 March 2026, troops in conjunction with other security agencies, with close air support from the Nigerian Air Force continued the ongoing clearance operations at Camp Gbadoanya in Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. The joint force advanced to clear remnants of IPOB/ESN terrorists operating in the camp and its surrounding areas,” the Army said.

Nigerian Army
Troops advanced through the camp and its surrounding areas, identifying and destroying several insurgent hideouts. Items recovered on the first day included pump-action guns, locally made dane guns, assorted rifle magazines, rifle working parts, belts of ammunition, cutting machines, IED-making materials, Biafran currencies and musical equipment belonging to a Biafran Army Band.

“A Biafran flag and a Biafran Army Headquarters flag were also recovered. Troops destroyed the flags and hoisted Nigerian flag in the camps,” the Army added.

Operations resumed the following day, with troops destroying additional camps within the Gbadoanya complex.

The most significant find on the second day was a fully operational IED fabrication facility, which was carefully exploited before being destroyed.

The recovered weapons. Photo: Nigerian Army
The statement read, “Troops also discovered and dismantled an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) fabrication site, which was carefully exploited and destroyed.

“Several IED-making items were recovered from the sites. These include, several welding machines, drilling machines and filling machines.

“Several car batteries, one electrode welding handle, twelve locally fabricated guns and rifle components, as well as other IED equipment.”

The military’s offensive against IPOB and its armed wing, the ESN, in Anambra State has intensified in recent months.

Troops had previously dislodged the group from Lilu Forest in Ihiala LGA and, in February 2026, stormed a command hub in Nkwere, neutralising one militant and arresting two others.

In July 2025, soldiers also arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN logistics supplier in Ihiala, recovering POS machines and cash believed to have funded separatist operations.

The group was proscribed by the Federal Government in 2017.