Troops of Sector 1 of Operation UDO KA have destroyed a suspected ritual shrine and recovered improvised explosive devices during a security operation in Imezi Owa.
The Nigerian Army said the operation targeted suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Olabisi Ayeni.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out on May 6 in collaboration with other security agencies following intelligence reports concerning alleged terrorist collaborators operating within the community.
The Army explained that troops conducting an intelligence-led patrol came under heavy attack from gunmen who were allegedly operating from a building believed to be used as a hideout by IPOB and ESN members.
During the confrontation, three soldiers reportedly sustained injuries and were immediately evacuated to a military medical facility for treatment.
“While troops were advancing on foot to the community, they were attacked from a building, resulting in injuries to three personnel,” the statement said.
“Despite the attack, troops maintained operational dominance, foiled the attack and secured the general area,” it added.
The Army further revealed that improvised explosive devices allegedly stored inside the building detonated during the gun battle, triggering a fire outbreak that razed the structure.
“During the exchange of fire, improvised explosive devices stored by the terrorists in the building used as their hideout detonated and triggered a fire outbreak that destroyed the hideout,” the military stated.
Following the operation, troops reportedly recovered additional improvised explosive devices, locally made hand grenades and a suspected ritual shrine allegedly linked to criminal activities in the area.
According to the Army, the shrine was thoroughly searched before being destroyed to prevent it from being used for further unlawful operations.
Security operatives also arrested one suspected collaborator during the raid. The suspect was subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Ezeagu Division, for further investigation.
The military urged residents of the community to remain calm and avoid harbouring criminal elements, while warning members and sympathisers of IPOB and ESN against engaging in activities capable of threatening public peace and security.
“Security forces remain resolute in their determination to build peace in the region and will continue to dismantle criminal networks and deny terrorists any freedom of action,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, videos circulating on social media after the operation showed several buildings engulfed in flames, with residents alleging that multiple houses and compounds were destroyed during the incident.
Some residents claimed that no fewer than seven compounds and about 10 houses were affected by the fire outbreak that followed the operation.
In one of the viral videos, residents also alleged that an elderly sick woman was trapped inside one of the burning buildings during the chaos. Authorities have yet to officially confirm the claim.
