By Ebinum Samuel
Troops of Operation UDO KA have continued to sustain aggressive joint clearance operations in parts of Imo State and environs in the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY, aimed at dismantling criminal enclaves and restoring normalcy to affected communities. The operations, conducted in the Orsu–Eketutu Mother Valley and Orsu–Ihiteukwa general areas as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by criminal elements and facilitate the safe return of residents who were forced to abandon their homes due to the activities of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
In one of the operations, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lt Col. Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, confirmed that troops operating under 34 Artillery Brigade Nigerian Army (NA) in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), conducted a joint clearance operation along the Lilu–Eketutu Road in the Orsu–Eketutu Mother Valley area of the state on 6 March 2026. The road, which serves as a strategic route that functions as the community’s lifeline, enabling the flow of people, goods, and services for surrounding communities, had been abandoned for over three years due to persistent threats and attacks by IPOB/ESN militants. During the operations, troops discovered IED planted at different areas along the road. The IEDs were successfully disconnected and safely recovered by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists, preventing potential casualties and restoring access to the route.
In a related operation, on 11 March 2026, troops conducted clearance operation in Orsu–Ihiteukwa general area, clearing suspected IED locations along key routes to enhance security and enable displaced inhabitants to return safely to their homes. During the operation, several IEDs were detonated along the route of advance. Despite the series of explosions, troops maintained operational momentum and discovered an IPOB/ESN IED-making factory within the area. The facility was thoroughly exploited, leading to the recovery of several items including Biafran flags and insignia, several rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammunition, pipes used for priming IEDs, pistol magazines containing rounds of ammunition, double-barrel guns, CCTV cameras, as well as multiple clips and electrical wires suspected to have been used in the fabrication of explosive devices.
Additionally, EOD teams discovered many other IEDs concealed within the area. The explosives were carefully disconnected, recovered, and safely destroyed.
The NA reaffirms its commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal networks threatening peace and security across Imo State and the South East region.
Members of the public are requested to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, as community cooperation is vital to dismantling criminal syndicates and restoring lasting peace. Operation UDO KA is committed to protecting law-abiding citizens, securing lives and property and completely reinforcing regional stability.
