Army Overruns IPOB/ESN Hideouts, Recovers ₦2m Ransom

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation EASTERN SANITY have intensified operations across the South-East, overrunning several IPOB/ESN strongholds and forcing the group into disarray. The sustained offensive, backed by superior firepower, intelligence, and air support, has exposed the weakening structure of the proscribed organisation and its armed wing.

NaijaChoice News reports that on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, joint troops from Sector 1, supported by the Air Component of Operation UDO KA, stormed Ajali Forest in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State. The precision strike sent IPOB/ESN fighters into chaotic retreat, compelling them to abandon an anti-tank Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams safely recovered the device, preventing any harm to troops or nearby civilians.

The soldiers have since taken full control of the area. They are conducting aggressive clearance patrols and systematically destroying all terrorist infrastructure. Hideouts were razed with chainsaws and bulldozers, leaving the criminals exposed and unable to regroup.

In a separate intelligence-led raid the same day, troops of the 82 Division Garrison at Adani in Uzo-Uwani LGA acted on credible tips from the Department of State Services. They tracked and intercepted a notorious kidnap suspect linked to ransom collections. A pump-action rifle and the sum of ₦2,000,000 cash, believed to be ransom proceeds, were recovered from the suspect’s residence.

The arrested suspect and all recovered items have been handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation. The operation has further cut off the group’s financial lifeline and operational capacity in the region.

These back-to-back successes underline the growing pressure on IPOB/ESN elements. For years, the South-East has grappled with insecurity, including kidnappings and attacks on soft targets that have disrupted farming, trade, and daily movement across Enugu and neighbouring states.

The Nigerian Army has vowed to maintain the momentum until all criminal elements are completely neutralised. It assured law-abiding citizens of its commitment to protecting lives and property while calling for continued public support and intelligence sharing to restore lasting peace in the South-East.