Troops raid alleged ESN hideout in Enugu, recover IEDs, hand grenades

Troops of Sector 1, Operation UDO KA, have destroyed a suspected ritual shrine and recovered improvised explosive devices during an operation targeting alleged members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni.

According to the statement, the operation was conducted on May 6 in collaboration with other security agencies following intelligence reports linking some individuals in the community to alleged terrorist activities.

The Army explained that troops on an intelligence-led patrol came under heavy gunfire from suspected IPOB and ESN operatives who were allegedly operating from a building used as a hideout.

The military said three soldiers sustained injuries during the exchange 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 read.

“Despite the attack, troops maintained operational dominance, foiled the attack and secured the general area.”

The Army further stated that improvised explosive devices allegedly stored inside the building detonated during the gun battle, sparking a fire that destroyed 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 statement added.

Following the operation, troops reportedly recovered additional IEDs, improvised hand grenades and a shrine allegedly used for ritual activities.

The Army said the shrine was searched and subsequently destroyed to prevent further criminal use.

One suspected collaborator was also arrested and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Ezeagu Division, for further investigation.

The military urged residents to remain calm and avoid harbouring criminal elements, warning that security forces would continue operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks in the South-East.

“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 online showed several houses engulfed in flames, with some residents alleging that at least seven compounds and about 10 houses were destroyed during the incident.

In one of the videos, residents also claimed that an elderly sick woman was trapped inside one of the burning buildings.

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