Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation EASTERN SANITY have intensified clearance operations against the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), destroying several insurgent camps and recovering weapons and explosive-making materials in Anambra State.
The development was disclosed in a statement released on Wednesday via the official X handle of the Nigerian Army, which said the coordinated operations are part of ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security in the South-East region.
According to the statement, troops on March 3, 2026, working alongside other security agencies and supported by close air support from the Nigerian Air Force, advanced to Camp Gbadoanya located in Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area of the state to flush out remnants of the armed group operating within the area.
The Army said the joint force successfully identified and cleared multiple insurgent camps during the operation.
“During the operation, several insurgent camps were identified, thoroughly exploited and destroyed,” the statement said.
Items recovered from the camps include pump-action guns, locally fabricated dane guns, assorted rifle magazines, various rifle components, belts of ammunition and cutting machines.
Other items recovered include Biafran currencies, several improvised explosive device (IED) materials, and musical instruments belonging to the Biafran Army Band.
Troops also recovered a Biafran flag and a Biafran Army Headquarters flag from the camps. The Army said the flags were destroyed, while the Nigerian flag was hoisted in their place to signify the restoration of government authority in the area.
The operation continued on March 4, 2026, when troops reportedly destroyed additional camps within the same location.
During the follow-up operation, the troops discovered and dismantled an IED fabrication site believed to have been used by the insurgents for producing explosives.
Several items linked to bomb-making activities were recovered at the site, including welding machines, drilling machines, filling machines, car batteries and an electrode welding handle.
Security forces also recovered twelve locally fabricated guns and several rifle components alongside other equipment used in the construction of improvised explosive devices.
The Army said the ongoing operation forms part of sustained efforts by security forces to dismantle criminal networks and ensure the safety of communities across the region.