Troops of Sector 1, Operation UDO KA, have destroyed a suspected ritual shrine and recovered improvised explosive devices during a raid on an alleged hideout of the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni.
According to the statement, the operation was conducted on May 6 in collaboration with other security agencies following intelligence reports linking some individuals in the community to alleged terrorist activities.
The Army said troops came under attack from gunmen while carrying out an intelligence-led patrol in the area.
It explained that the assailants allegedly opened fire from a building suspected to be a hideout used by members of IPOB and the Eastern Security Network.
The military stated that three soldiers sustained injuries during the gun battle and were immediately evacuated to a military medical facility for treatment.
Despite the attack, the troops reportedly overpowered the gunmen and secured the area.
The statement further disclosed that improvised explosive devices allegedly stored inside the building exploded during the exchange of fire, sparking a fire outbreak that razed the structure.
One suspected collaborator was arrested during the operation and later handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Ezeagu Division, for further investigation.
The Army urged residents to remain calm and avoid harbouring criminal elements within their communities.
It also warned members and supporters of IPOB and the Eastern Security Network against engaging in unlawful activities, insisting that security forces remained determined to restore peace and dismantle criminal networks in the region.
Meanwhile, videos circulating on social media showed several buildings engulfed in flames, with some residents alleging that at least seven compounds and about 10 houses were affected by the fire.
In one of the videos, residents claimed that an elderly sick woman was trapped inside one of the burning buildings, although authorities had yet to officially confirm the allegation as of the time of filing this report.