Nigerian Army Troops Storm Mother Valley, Dismantle IPOB/ESN Stronghold in Anambra

Joint Task Force South East (Operation UDO KA) troops – comprising elements of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps – launched a decisive foot assault into the heavily fortified Mother Valley in Nkwere Local Government Area, Anambra State, effectively dismantling a longstanding IPOB/ESN operational base.

The combined force advanced for over three hours through difficult, restricted terrain under intense resistance. IPOB/ESN elements employed locally fabricated hand-held IEDs and sustained heavy gunfire in an attempt to repel the troops. Displaying discipline and resolve, the soldiers overpowered the defenders, neutralizing one fighter and forcing several others to flee with gunshot wounds.

The operation shattered the group’s defensive lines and disrupted their command structure in the valley. Troops recovered a substantial cache of weaponry and logistics items, including:

• Two pump-action guns

• One locally fabricated firearm

• One tear gas gun

• Seven gas cylinders

• An electric kettle

• Several IPOB/ESN propaganda flags

All life-support infrastructure at the terrorists’ so-called Supreme Headquarters was destroyed, including solar panels and a Mikano generator, severely degrading the group’s ability to sustain operations in the area.

In a concurrent action, an ambush team arrested two suspected IPOB/ESN members – one attempting to emplace an IED and the other identified as a surveillance operative monitoring troop movements. Additionally, troops recovered one KIA saloon car and one black Toyota Sequoia jeep from a hidden terrorist vehicle park within the valley.

The suspects are in custody undergoing profiling and further interrogation. Clearance operations continue to prevent any regrouping or reoccupation of the area.

The Nigerian Army described the assault as a clear message to criminal elements: no safe haven exists, no sanctuary will be tolerated, and no escape will be permitted. Troops remain deployed in strength to deny terrorists freedom of movement and to protect law-abiding citizens throughout the South East.

The operation underscores the military’s intensified campaign against IPOB/ESN networks in the region, where the group has long used remote valleys and forested areas as staging grounds for attacks, kidnappings, and propaganda activities. Authorities reiterated their commitment to sustained security presence and lawful force against those threatening peace and stability.