Military Operation Udoka dismantles 45 camps, 51 bunkering sites, frees 49 kidnapped victims

The Troops of Operation Udoka a joint military initiative covering the entire Southeast region and Cross River state have once more demonstrated exceptional bravery, professionalism and resilience effort against the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and other criminal elements by dismantling a total of 45 camps, 51 bunkering sites and freed 49 hostages.

While commending on the breakthroughs of the Chief Defence Staff (CDS’), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army Enugu, Major General Oluremi Fadairo on Tuesday said “Division has conducted a series of phased kinetic and non-kinetic operations noting that the phases are: Phase 1 – De-escalation and Containment, which occurred from January to June 2025; and Phase 2 – Decisive Phase, which commenced in July – September 2025. Phase 3, which is the last phase conducted from October to December 2025.

He said “During the period under review some Achievements were recorded from clearance operation, anti-illegal bunkering operations and Anti-kidnapping operation.One of the major operations carried out during Phase 1 were series of clearance operations, and the achievements recorded are a total of 45 camps were cleared and destroyed, with the most prominent being the destruction of IPOB Commander Gentle’s camp in Okigwe, Imo State.

“Additionally, some IPOB/ESN Terrorist members were arrested and handed over to the appropriate authority for investigation. Some quantities of AK 47 rifles, pump action rifles, pistols and locally fabricated guns, as well as different types of explosives and ammunition of different caliber were recovered. It is equally worthy of note that some IEDs were either recovered or detonated in situ.

” Series of anti-illegal bunkering operations were conducted that led to the destruction of 51 illegal bunkering sites. Arrest of 12 suspected bunkerers. Destruction of 11 tankers, 20 vehicles, 19 motorcycles, 9 boats and 739 cooking drums. Some other items recovered and destroyed include, 3 pumping machines, 10 flanges, 31 Baofeng Handheld Radios and about 6980m long siphoning crude hose.”

According to him a total of 32 kidnapping incidents were witnessed within the period under review. Anambra State recorded 6, Enugu 9, Abia 3, Imo 5, Cross River 7 and Ebonyi one incident. This buttresses the assertion that IPOB/ESN Terrorists have resorted to kidnapping so as to raise funds for their illegal operations.

“Furthermore, a total of 49 kidnapped victims were rescued and 7 corpses recovered. Some pictures of anti-kidnapping and rescue operations conducted within the AOR are as shown on the screen.

While highlighting the phase two activities, the GOC stressed that the IPOB/ESN activities remain the most potent threat within the AOO and predominantly in Imo and Anambra States, hence, the thrust of on-going operations has been centred on the 2 states. He stated that Other subsidiary and supporting operations, especially blocking force operations were carried out in other states. Robust offensive operations by the troops commenced in Okigwe which is notoriously known for harbouring an ESN Commander, Gentle the Yahoo, who is responsible for numerous crimes.

He stressed that the primary objective of the operation was to neutralize Gentle and his gang as well as dislodge them from their strongholds and make Okigwe and Imo State untenable for the criminal elements.

“The operations successfully dislodged ‘Gentle the Yahoo’ from his hideout at Aku – Ihube in Okigwe and the destruction of his camp.
Though, reports of injuries to Gentle remains unconfirmed, operational indicators suggest the mission achieved its intended effect of displacing him and putting him on the run; thereby setting favourable conditions for follow-on operations.

“During this phase, troops also successful conducted intensive clearance and raid operations into IPOB/ESN strongholds, despite the marshy and swampy terrain which often hinders mobility. Remarkable success was achieved during the conduct with the destruction of several camps and IED making factories, neutralization and arrests of some ESN members as well as recovery of weapons, ammunition, IED making equipment and surveillance cameras amongst others.

“The troops also cleared Mbaitoli and Njaba LGAs of Imo State. The operational objective was to neutralise the notorious B44 and his gang who are causing mayhem in these LGAs. So far, troops have successfully conducted clearance and raid operations to the dreaded B44 camp in Mbaitoli and Njaba dislodging the miscreants and destroying their strongholds.

He noted that numerous simultaneous subsidiary operations are being conducted in the neighbouring LGA of Anambra State by troops of 302 AR and 14 FER, aimed at blocking the escape of the IPOB elements to Ihiala LGA especially in Orsumohgu, Lilu and Mother Valley Camp. The intensity of troops’ kinetic operations especially in Imo and Anambra States has drastically reduced the activities of the miscreants in the region.

“As a result of these operations, positive signals for amnesty and cessation of hostilities emerged from the adversary camps. The current discussion on the possibility of conducting a Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration programme which may lead to amnesty for repentant miscreants in Ebonesie communities in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State is encouraging. This may lead to the likely surrender of notorious criminals like Butuzor and Ochiagha who are major commanders in the axis. Should the amnesty programme fail, there are plans already in place to launch decisive operations to dislodge the miscreants from Anambra State as well.”

He pointed out that the Division also conducted a special operation during the festive period in December 2025 codenamed OPERATION SAFE EMBER. The operation recorded several significant achievements across the Division’s Area of responsibility. Some of the achievements recorded includes the rescue of kidnap victims, rescue of 18 passengers from boat hijackers and voluntary surrender of militants. These achievements will be discussed in subsequent paragraphs.

“Rescues of Kidnap Victims. Troops of 13 Brigade rescued kidnap victims along Ikang – Cameroon Waterways. The troops who operated from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ikang, successfully rescued eight kidnapped civilians following a swift and coordinated response to a distress call on 29 December 2025. Acting on credible intelligence that suspected militants had intercepted a commercial boat along the Ikang–Cameroon waterways and abducted eight civilians, comprising six adults and two minors, the troops immediately deployed in pursuit of the perpetrators while simultaneously blocking possible escape routes and dominating the waterways. The militants abandoned the victims at the Ini-Abasi Fishing Port and fled into the creeks towards the high sea. The abandoned victims were subsequently and successfully recovered by the troops.

“Rescue of 18 Passengers from Boat Hijacker. Troops of 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army also successfully rescued 18 passengers, including 2 infants, following a hijacking incident on a passenger boat traveling from Nigeria to Cameroon on 11 January 2026. A distress call reported that suspected sea pirates, operating in two speed boats and a wooden boat, hijacked a passenger boat moving from Cameroon to Nigeria. The passengers were kidnapped along Kombo Fishing Port within Cameroon waterways. Responding swiftly, 13 Brigade troops deployed at Ikang pursued the criminals, resulting in an exchange of fire that caused one of the pirates’ speed boats to capsize. The pirates abandoned their victims and fled into the surrounding creeks. All passengers were rescued unharmed.

“Clearance of Ajali Forest in Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State. On 31 Dec 25, troops of Sect 1, 4 and 5 OPUK, as well as 197 SF Bn, supported by AC OPUK, commenced clearance of Ajali Forest in Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State. On day 1, troops made contact with the terrorists, forcing them to flee their camp. Troops subsequently recovered 2 IEDs, 2 Handheld explosives, food items, and other sundry materials. All identified support structures and IEDs were destroyed in situ. On Day 2, troops continued clearance and discovered 2 Shrines, which were destroyed accordingly. Items found during exploitation included 4 iron pipes, one motorcycle battery, 2 Chains, nails-bearing iron and one wheel barrow suspected to be used as IED materials. Meanwhile, no contact was made. On Day 3, troops discovered 2 IPOB camps, which were destroyed in situ. Troops also recovered nails and other IED making materials during exploitation. On Day 4, troops combed the forest up to Ajali River line and discovered 2 IEDs, 3 locally made hand grenade and one IPOB/ESN camp. The recovered items and camp were destroyed accordingly. Meanwhile, the operation is still ongoing.”

He emphasized that during the period under review a total of 161 clearance and raid operations were conducted to IPOB/ESN strongholds.