Acting on credible intelligence, troops from the Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA conducted a series of operations on May 6, 2024, to clear the general area encompassing Udda, Ihittukwa, and Orsumoghu in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.

During these special clearance operations, the troops encountered armed terrorists who resorted to employing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in a bid to thwart the advancing forces. Undeterred by the threat, the gallant joint troops demonstrated superior firepower, compelling the criminals to retreat in disarray. As a result of the encounter, four of the insurgents were neutralized, while others managed to escape with gunshot wounds.

Among the high-value targets neutralized was TOCHUKWU, also known as OJOTO, a prominent IPOB/ESN commander overseeing the Ihietukwa Command. Despite his use of protective charms, TOCHUKWU was successfully neutralized by the joint forces.

A significant cache of weapons and other incriminating items were recovered from the terrorists' hideouts, including an AK-47 rifle with two magazines, two automatic pump-action guns, three handheld Baofeng radios, a laptop, a Techno phone, car keys, suspected marijuana, Biafran currencies, five IEDs, materials for making IEDs, batteries utilized in detonating the explosives, and assorted charms.

It will be recalled that ESN has been disturbing the peace of the Eastern part of the country for some years now, demanding the release of their supreme leader.