Troops of Sector 1, Operation UDO KA have destroyed a suspected ritual shrine and recovered improvised explosive devices during an operation in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu LGA, Enugu State.

The Nigerian Army said the May 6, 2026 operation targeted alleged members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network. According to Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, troops on an intelligence-led patrol came under fire from a building believed to be used as a hideout.

Three soldiers were injured in the exchange. The army said IEDs stored in the building detonated during the gun battle, causing a fire that destroyed the structure. A follow-up search recovered additional IEDs, improvised hand grenades, and a shrine allegedly used for ritual activities. The shrine was searched and destroyed to prevent further use.

The army said it maintains operational dominance in the area and is continuing efforts to disrupt IPOB/ESN activities in the South East. Residents had earlier accused troops of burning houses during the raid, but the military attributed the fire to exploding explosives stored by the group.