In a major operation aimed at dismantling separatist strongholds, joint troops under Operation UDO KA have successfully overrun what is believed to be the supreme headquarters of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the armed wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in the Mother Valley area of Orsu, Imo State. The coordinated ground assault marks a significant blow to the group's operations in the southeastern region, where tensions have simmered for years amid calls for Biafran independence.
According to military sources, the raid was launched following intelligence reports on the location's role as a key command center for ESN activities. Troops stormed the hideout, engaging in a fierce confrontation that led to the neutralization of several suspected militants. While exact casualty figures remain unconfirmed, the operation is said to have destroyed critical infrastructure within the camp, including weapons caches and communication equipment.
This latest development comes on the heels of a separate late-night clearance operation in Imo State, where security operatives eliminated two suspected sub-commanders of IPOB/ESN in forest hideouts across Mbaitoli and Njaba Local Government Areas. The raid, conducted by tactical teams from the Imo State Police Command based on actionable intelligence, targeted communities like Amaocha Afara, Umunoha, and Ifakala. Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported the incident, highlighting the ongoing efforts to curb insurgent activities in the region.
The insurgency in southeastern Nigeria has been ongoing since early 2021, with clashes between Nigerian forces and IPOB/ESN operatives escalating into a low-level conflict. IPOB, led by the detained Nnamdi Kanu, has consistently denied involvement in violent attacks, attributing much of the unrest to "unknown gunmen" or state-sponsored provocations. However, Nigerian authorities have blamed the group for assaults on security personnel, infrastructure, and civilians, including enforced sit-at-home orders that have disrupted daily life and the economy in the South-East.
In recent months, similar operations have yielded results, such as the destruction of IPOB camps in Anambra and Enugu states, where joint security teams recovered dangerous weapons. A notable victory was reported in March 2024, when troops cleared and destroyed a major IPOB/ESN headquarters, underscoring the military's sustained campaign against the separatists.
Local residents in Orsu and surrounding areas have expressed mixed reactions to the operation. Some welcome the increased security presence as a step toward restoring peace, while others fear reprisal attacks or collateral damage to innocent civilians. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have previously documented thousands of killings and hundreds of forced disappearances in the region over the past few years, urging both sides to prioritize civilian safety.
The Nigerian Army has reiterated its commitment to eradicating terrorism and insurgency across the country, with Operation UDO KA focusing specifically on the South-East. As investigations continue, more details are expected to emerge about the scale of the Mother Valley assault and its impact on IPOB's capabilities.
ReportNaija will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available. For more news on security and national affairs, stay tuned to our platform.