Troops Crush Armed Camps in Anambra, Imo, Recover Weapons

Troops of Operation Eastern Sanity have intensified clearance operations targeting the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), within Anambra and Imo states.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, Spokesperson for Operation Eastern Sanity, in Enugu.

According to Lt.-Col. Ayeni, the coordinated operations are aimed at restoring lasting peace and security in the region.

He explained that on March 3, 2026, troops, in conjunction with other security agencies and the Nigerian Air Force, continued clearance operations at Camp Gbadoanya in Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra. The joint force focused on dismantling remaining IPOB/ESN insurgent elements within the camp and its surrounding communities.

“During the operation, several insurgent camps were identified, thoroughly exploited, and destroyed,” Lt.-Col. Ayeni said. “Recovered items included pump-action guns, locally made dane guns, assorted rifle magazines, rifle components, belts of ammunition, and cutting machines.

Also recovered were Biafran currencies, improvised explosive device (IED) materials, musical equipment of the Biafran Army Band, a Biafran flag, and a Biafran Army Headquarters flag. The troops destroyed the flags and hoisted the Nigerian flag in their place.”

He added that operations continued on March 4, 2026, with troops destroying additional camps at Camp Gbadoanya and surrounding communities in Imo State.

In the course of the operations, troops also uncovered and dismantled an IED fabrication site, seizing equipment used to manufacture explosives. “Recovered items included welding machines, drilling machines, filling machines, several car batteries, an electrode welding handle, 12 locally fabricated guns, rifle components, and other materials used for IED construction,” the statement said.

Lt.-Col. Ayeni emphasized that the operations reflect the Nigerian military’s commitment to ensuring peace, security, and the rule of law in the southeast region.