The Joint Task Force South-East Operation, codenamed ‘Operation UDO KA II,’ conducted clearance operations in the hideouts of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) affiliates in two council areas in Imo State. The operations, which occurred simultaneously in the Ihioma-Ihittenansa communities in Orsu Local Government Area and Okigwe-Umulolo communities in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo, aimed to identify and destroy potential camps of fleeing IPOB/ESN members involved in violence, extortion, and agitation activities.
During the operations, one of the troop’s vehicles was hit by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), but no casualties were reported. The troops engaged the fleeing terrorists, resulting in some of them sustaining gunshot wounds. Two suspects were arrested, and various items, including locally-made guns, ammunition, a PKT machine gun barrel, explosives, CCTV cameras, laptops, mobile phones, motorcycles, and IED-making materials, were recovered. Additionally, three shrines used by the terrorists for fortification were destroyed.
The army spokesperson emphasized that Operation UDO KA II would continue combating criminal activities such as ritual killings, cannibalism, kidnapping for ransom, and extortion in the South-East region. He urged law-abiding citizens to provide timely and credible information to help end insecurity in the region. The statement also highlighted that the terrorists involved were mainly criminals who escaped from Owerri Jail Breaks and are being used by criminal elements abroad to instigate violence in the region. The public was encouraged to join the fight against these terrorists to maintain peace and security in the South-East.