Troops Recover Explosives, Ransom Cash as Army Overruns IPOB/ESN Camps in Enugu

By Zainab Uzomah

Troops of Operation Eastern Sanity have recovered an improvised explosive device (IED) and ₦2 million suspected ransom money after overrunning IPOB/ESN strongholds in Enugu State. The operation, carried out on 14 April 2026 in Ajali Forest, Ezeagu Local Government Area, forced suspected militants to flee under sustained military pressure, abandoning key assets including an anti-tank IED later secured by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team.

According to a statement released to the press, the operation was conducted by troops of Sector 1 in conjunction with the Air Component of Operation UDO KA, as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal enclaves across the South-East. The military said troops have established control of the area and are continuing clearance operations to destroy remaining hideouts and prevent the regrouping of fleeing fighters.

In a related development, troops of 82 Division Garrison deployed at Adani in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area intercepted ransom proceeds linked to a kidnapping syndicate, following intelligence provided by the Department of State Services. One suspect was arrested, while a pump-action rifle and ₦2 million believed to be ransom funds were recovered from the suspect’s residence.

The army said the suspect and recovered items have been handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation, adding that the operations have further weakened the operational and financial capacity of criminal groups in the region. It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations to restore security and stability across the South-East.