May 9, 2026 | News
The Nigerian Army has confirmed that buildings were destroyed during a military operation in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, claiming that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) allegedly stored by suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), caused the fire outbreak.
The army’s confirmation comes after residents accused troops attached to the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army of deliberately setting houses ablaze during a raid on the community.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the military said troops of Sector 1, Operation UDO KA, alongside other security agencies, carried out an intelligence-led operation in the community on May 6, 2026.
According to the statement, the operation was launched following efforts to track suspected collaborators linked to IPOB and ESN activities in the area.
The Army claimed that troops advancing into the community came under attack from gunmen allegedly operating from a building used as a hideout by IPOB/ESN members.
During the exchange of gunfire, the military said three soldiers sustained injuries but troops successfully repelled the attack and maintained control of the operation.
The statement further explained that explosives allegedly stored inside the building detonated during the gun battle, triggering a fire that destroyed the structure.
“During the exchange of fire, Improvised Explosive Devices stored by the terrorists in the building used as their hideout detonated and triggered a fire outbreak that destroyed the hideout,” the statement read.
The Army also claimed that further searches led to the recovery of additional IEDs, improvised hand grenades, and a shrine allegedly used for ritual activities. According to the military, the shrine was destroyed to prevent its continued use for criminal purposes.
Security operatives reportedly arrested one suspected collaborator during the operation, while recovered items and the suspect were handed over to the police for further investigation.
The military warned members and supporters of IPOB and ESN to desist from what it described as illegal activities, stressing that security forces remain determined to restore peace and dismantle criminal networks in the South-East region.
However, the Army’s explanation contradicts accounts earlier given by residents of the community, who alleged that soldiers deliberately burned down residential buildings during the operation.
Residents of Akwuke-Umudim in Imezi Owa had accused military personnel of invading the area and setting houses on fire without explanation.
Videos obtained from the community reportedly showed several buildings engulfed in flames, with residents claiming that at least seven compounds and about 10 houses were destroyed.
Some residents also alleged that an elderly sick woman was trapped inside one of the burning buildings during the incident.
A resident identified as Oliver Ezeani said the community was still assessing the level of destruction caused by the operation.
“We are still assessing the damages and we have informed the state Commissioner of Police about the development,” he said.
The incident has further raised concerns among residents and human rights groups over allegations of excessive force, destruction of civilian property, and military operations linked to anti-separatist activities in Nigeria’s South-East region.
IPOB has repeatedly denied involvement in violent attacks despite accusations from Nigerian security agencies.
