The Nigerian Army has announced the dismantling of a bomb making facility allegedly operated by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during a series of coordinated military operations in the South East.
In a statement shared on its official Facebook page on Thursday, the army said troops carried out clearance operations at Camp Gbadoanya in Orsumoghu, a community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. Ihiala borders several communities in neighboring Imo State.
According to the statement, the operation began on 3 March and was conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, including the Nigerian Air Force, which provided close air support to ground troops.
The military said the mission was aimed at eliminating insurgent elements and restoring lasting peace and security in the region. During the operation, troops reportedly discovered multiple camps linked to suspected IPOB/ESN members. The camps were thoroughly searched and subsequently destroyed.
Soldiers also uncovered and dismantled an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) fabrication site believed to have been used to manufacture explosive devices. The facility was carefully exploited before being destroyed.
Weapons and equipment recovered from the sites included pump action guns, locally made Dane guns, several rifle magazines, rifle components, belts of ammunition, and cutting machines.
Troops also found a Biafran flag and a Biafran Army Headquarters flag at the camps. The army said the flags were destroyed and replaced with the Nigerian national flag.
The statement added that on 4 March, troops continued their operations in the area and destroyed additional suspected IPOB camps.
Further searches reportedly led to the recovery of more IED making equipment, including welding machines, drilling machines, filling machines, car batteries, and an electrode welding handle. Security forces also seized 12 locally fabricated fire arms and other materials believed to be used in assembling explosives.
IPOB is a separatist group advocating for the creation of an independent state of Biafra from Nigeria’s South-East and parts of the South-South regions. Authorities have linked the group to several violent attacks in the area, though IPOB has consistently denied involvement in such incidents.
