Army sustains onslaught on IPOB camps, bandits’ hideouts

Troops of the Nigerian Army have overrun IPOB/ESN strongholds in the South-East and cleared bandit camps in Bauchi State in sustained operations across troubled areas.In Enugu State, joint troops under Operation Eastern Sanity, supported by the Air Component of Operation UDO KA, carried out a clearance operation in Ajali Forest, Ezeagu Local Government Area. The operation forced suspected IPOB and ESN fighters to flee and abandon an anti-tank improvised explosive device (IED), which was secured by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.

Troops later destroyed several hideouts in the forest.

Also in Adani, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, troops of the 82 Division Garrison, acting on intelligence from the Department of State Services (DSS), arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered a pump-action rifle and ₦2 million believed to be ransom proceeds. The suspect and items were handed over for further investigation.

In Bauchi State, troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade, working with a team from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), cleared bandit camps at Azuge and Hari in Dajin Madam Forest.

Several bandits were neutralised while others fled. Troops also took into custody six women and 13 children linked to the camps. Motorcycles used by the bandits were destroyed.Recovered items included an AK-47 magazine, packs of tramadol, a police uniform, military uniforms, and two horses.

Troops later carried out a follow-up operation in Mainamaji after earlier air strikes on bandit hideouts. No contact was made, suggesting reduced bandit presence in the area.

According to the Nigerian Army, operations would continue until criminal groups were dismantled and stability restored. It urged residents to support security agencies with timely information.