Troops of Operation UDO KA have conducted a
methodical clearance offensive across the South East in the first quarter of
2026, neutralising IED specialists, destroying IPOB and Eastern Security
Network logistics hubs, and clearing 16 improvised explosive devices from
public routes, significantly degrading the operational capability of
proscribed criminal elements across the region.
Major General Michael Onoja, Director of
Defence Media Operations, disclosed these developments at a media briefing at
Defence Headquarters, Abuja, on 31 March 2026, noting that the results spanning Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States reflect
the AFN's resolve to restore safety and the rule of law in communities that
have been subjected to sustained intimidation by armed non-state actors.
During the quarter, troops arrested 91
suspects and rescued 14 kidnapped victims, recovering arms, ammunition, and IED
materials. Over 80 militants surrendered to troops in January 2026 alone. A development that Major General Onoja said reflects both the effectiveness of
military pressure and the growing disillusionment within the ranks of IPOB's
armed formations.
“Two IED specialists were neutralised and three IEDs recovered
at Orsu-Ihiteukwa on 14 March 2026, dismantling a bomb-making cell that had
posed a direct threat to civilian and troop safety.”
In March 2026, troops discovered and safely
destroyed 11 IEDs during route clearance operations along the Eketutu-Uda axis,
Orsu LGA of Imo State on 7 and 8 March 2026. On 14 March 2026, two IED
specialists were neutralised and three IEDs along with IED-making materials
were recovered at Orsu-Ihiteukwa, dismantling a bomb-making cell that had posed
a direct threat to civilian and troop safety. On 22 March 2026, five IEDs were
detonated during clearance operations at Orsumoghu, Ihiala LGA of Anambra
State.
Troops also dealt a significant economic
blow to criminal networks operating under the guise of IPOB/ESN affiliations by
dismantling three illegal refining sites in Egbema West LGA of Imo State on 11
March 2026, destroying 32 cooking drums and one 5,000-litre storage tank. On 23
March 2026, a major illegal refining site in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State was
destroyed, yielding approximately 23,000 litres of illegally refined and stolen
petroleum products.
On 27 March 2026, troops conducted
aggressive clearance operations across Lilu and surrounding communities in
Ihiala LGA of Anambra State. Despite encountering IEDs and hostile fire, troops
responded decisively, forcing the terrorists to flee while recording no
casualties among own forces. Major General Onoja commended the professionalism
of the troops and said operations in the South East will continue until all
criminal elements are apprehended or neutralised and peace is durably restored
to the region.