Troops Storm Enugu, Destroy Suspected IPOB Shrine, Recover Explosives

According to Ireporter Online, troops of Sector 1, Operation UDO KA, have destroyed a suspected ritual shrine and recovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during a coordinated operation in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The Nigerian Army disclosed that the operation, which took place on May 6, was conducted in collaboration with other security agencies following credible intelligence on alleged terrorist collaborators within the area believed to be linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, it was noted that troops on intelligence-driven patrol encountered armed resistance from gunmen allegedly operating from a building identified as a suspected hideout. The confrontation led to a gun battle during which three soldiers sustained injuries and were immediately evacuated to a military medical facility for treatment.

The Army stated that despite the ambush, troops maintained operational superiority, repelled the attack, and secured the area. It further revealed that during the exchange of fire, IEDs allegedly stockpiled within the building detonated, resulting in a fire outbreak that completely razed the structure.

Following a subsequent search of the vicinity, troops reportedly recovered additional IEDs, improvised hand grenades, and a shrine allegedly used for ritual purposes. The structure was later destroyed to prevent further criminal exploitation.

One suspect believed to be a collaborator was also arrested during the operation and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force in Ezeagu Division for further investigation.

The Army urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and avoid providing shelter to criminal elements, while reiterating its commitment to sustaining peace and dismantling terrorist networks in the region.

Meanwhile, videos circulating on social media showed multiple buildings engulfed in flames, with some residents alleging that several houses were destroyed during the incident, and raising concerns over possible civilian impact, including claims that an elderly woman may have been trapped in one of the affected structures.