Overview of Operations
The Joint Task Force South-East, “Operation UDO KA,” has intensified clearance operations targeting camps of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN). These operations resulted in the apprehension of two suspected terrorists and the recovery of various weapons and items.
Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, spokesman for the task force, issued a statement on Sunday in Enugu detailing the operations.
Clearance in Uhuala-Aku Camp, Imo State
On December 5, 2024, troops conducted a clearance operation at an IPOB/ESN camp in Uhuala-Aku, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State. Acting on credible intelligence, the combined force encountered resistance but forced the irredentists to flee into the adjoining forest under superior firepower.
Recovered Items:
- One G3 rifle
- Two pump action rifles
- Three Dane guns
- One locally-fabricated pistol
- One MG belt
- Two AK 47 rifle magazines
- 12 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition
- Five rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition
- A sack containing a human skull
- One Toyota Hilux vehicle
- Six radio chargers
- 20 car keys
- One Boafeng radio
The troops destroyed 26 makeshift accommodations within the camp.
Arrests in Okposi Community, Ebonyi State
Troops of Sector 2 arrested two suspects allegedly terrorizing the Okposi community in Ebonyi State.
Recovered Items:
- Two locally-fabricated pistols
- Nine live cartridges
- One motorcycle
Raid on Agu Orba Ekwegbe Camp, Enugu State
In collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), troops of Sector 1 raided an IPOB/ESN camp in the Agu Orba Ekwegbe community of Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State.
Recovered Items:
- Two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG)
- One single barrel gun
- 12 rifles under construction
- Two single revolver pistols
- 10 pistols under construction
- Two pistol magazines
- 335 rounds of 7.62mm by 51mm live ammunition
- 12 rounds of pump action rifle live cartridges
- 11 empty cartridges
- 21 military desert boots
- Eight pairs of military raincoats
- Three IPOB/ESN flags
- A first aid box
- Six cutlasses
- Two knives
- Bags of rice and garri
The camp was subsequently destroyed during the operation.
Call for Peace and Dialogue
Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, Force Commander of the task force, commended the troops for their efforts and urged all well-meaning citizens in the region to embrace dialogue as a means of ensuring peace and stability in the South-East.
“Dialogue remains the best tool for fostering unity and resolving conflicts in our society,” Maj.-Gen. Dada emphasized.
Conclusion
The Joint Task Force South-East continues its mission to dismantle threats posed by IPOB/ESN and restore peace in the region. The operations underscore the commitment of security agencies to safeguarding lives and property in the South-East.
