Troops of the Nigerian Army have struck suspected strongholds of the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, in Enugu State, recovering an improvised explosive device and alleged ransom proceeds, according to a military statement.
The army said the operations were carried out on April 14, 2026, as part of ongoing offensives under Operation Eastern Sanity in the South-East.
According to the statement, joint troops of Sector 1, with air support from Operation UDO KA, launched what it described as a precision strike and clearance operation in Ajali Forest, in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The military said the operation forced suspected IPOB/ESN fighters to flee, abandoning items including an anti-tank improvised explosive device. It said the explosive was later secured by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team.
The army said troops had since taken control of the area and were continuing clearance operations. It added that hideouts in the forest were destroyed during the operation.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops of 82 Division Garrison deployed in Adani, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, reportedly acted on intelligence provided by the Department of State Services to track alleged ransom proceeds linked to a kidnapping syndicate.
The military said the raid led to the arrest of a suspected kidnapper at his residence. It added that troops recovered a pump-action rifle and N2 million in cash believed to be ransom money.
According to the statement, the suspect and recovered items have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and efforts to identify other members of the gang.
The army said the operations had further weakened the operational and financial capacity of IPOB/ESN and other criminal groups in the region.
It also reiterated its commitment to sustaining operations against armed groups and criminal networks in the South-East, while urging residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful information.
