By Our Correspondent

National News – Troops of the Nigerian Army under Sector 1 of Operation UDO KA have destroyed a suspected ritual shrine and recovered improvised explosive devices during a security operation in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The operation targeted alleged members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.

The military operation was carried out on May 6, 2026, following intelligence reports about suspected terrorist collaborators operating within the community.

According to a statement released by the acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, soldiers encountered heavy gunfire while advancing toward a building believed to be used as a hideout by the suspected IPOB and ESN members.

During the exchange of fire, three soldiers sustained injuries and were immediately evacuated to a military medical facility for treatment.

The Army said troops maintained control of the area despite the attack and successfully repelled the gunmen.

The military further disclosed that improvised explosive devices allegedly stored inside the building detonated during the gun battle, causing a fire outbreak that destroyed the structure.

Troops later recovered additional IEDs, improvised hand grenades, and other dangerous materials from the location.

Security forces also uncovered and demolished a shrine allegedly used for ritual activities linked to the criminal group.

One suspected collaborator was arrested during the operation and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force in Ezeagu for further investigation.

Meanwhile, videos circulating online showed several buildings engulfed in flames, with some residents claiming that about 10 houses and seven compounds were affected by the incident.

Some locals also alleged that an elderly woman trapped inside one of the buildings was feared dead.

The Nigerian Army urged residents to remain calm and avoid harbouring criminal elements, reaffirming its commitment to restoring peace and dismantling criminal networks across the South-East.