Troops of the Joint Task Force South East under Operation UDO KA (OPUK) have stormed and dismantled a major stronghold linked to suspected IPOB/ESN elements at Mother Valley in Nkwere area of Anambra State, following a coordinated ground assault carried out on February 26, 2026.
The operation, executed by combined personnel of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), reportedly marked a decisive push against criminal enclaves in the South-East region.
According to military sources, the troops advanced for over three hours through difficult terrain to penetrate the valley, long described as a fortified hideout for armed separatist elements. The forces encountered stiff resistance as the attackers allegedly deployed locally made improvised explosive devices (IEDs) alongside heavy gunfire in an attempt to repel the advancing troops.
Despite the resistance, security forces overpowered the group, neutralised one suspected IPOB member while several others escaped with gunshot wounds, effectively collapsed their defensive positions.
During the clearance operation, troops recovered a cache of weapons and logistics items, including two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated firearm, a tear gas gun, seven gas cylinders, an electric kettle, and flags believed to be associated with extremist propaganda.
Security operatives also destroyed structures described as the group’s “Supreme Headquarters,” dismantled solar power installations and a Mikano generator said to sustain activities within the camp.
In a related development, an ambush team arrested two suspected members of the group one allegedly caught attempting to plant an IED and another accused of spying on troop movements. Authorities also recovered a KIA saloon car and a black Toyota Sequoia jeep from a vehicle park within the valley.
The suspects are currently in custody undergoing profiling and further investigation, while troops continue clearance operations aimed at preventing the regrouping of criminal elements in the area.
Military authorities reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining offensive operations across the South-East, assuring residents of continued security presence and protection while warned criminal groups that no safe haven would be tolerated.
