The coordinated efforts resulted in the neutralization of two IPOB/ESN commanders and the recovery of arms and ammunition. The raids were part of ongoing clearance operations aimed at deterring the activities of IPOB and ESN in the South-East and neighboring regions.

According to a statement released on Operation UDO KA’s social media platform on Monday, the troops conducted operations on July 20, 2024, targeting IPOB/ESN camps in the Ezioha-Eziama village, located in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.

The statement detailed that the joint force included personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Police, Department of State Services, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps. 

The troops raided the camp of a notorious IPOB/ESN commander, Lucio Agu (aka B44), situated in the forested valley between Umuaka, Ezioha, and Awomama communities. During the encounter, the troops neutralized two commanders, known as Asari and Mazi, while others fled with gunshot wounds. The operation led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles with three magazines, 102 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, CCTV cameras, and assorted charms.

In a parallel operation, troops of Sector 3 of Operation UDO KA also destroyed an IPOB/ESN camp at Ezere Forest, which spans the Okigwe and Umunneochi LGAs of Imo and Abia states, between the Umuawa and Aku settlements.