The statement, dated March 7, 2024, highlighted that the extensive and coordinated efforts of the Joint Task Force, comprising the Nigerian Army (NA), Navy (NN), Air Force (NAF), as well as personnel from the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), resulted in the successful clearance of several areas over the last three weeks.

According to the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Mother Valley operation dealt a significant blow to the alleged IPOB/ESN stronghold, which served as their command and control center and military council headquarters. The location, spanning Orsu and Ihiala Local Government Areas of Imo and Anambra States, was well-concealed and forested, providing cover from air surveillance.

The operation, initiated on February 11, 2024, led to the reported death of numerous IPOB/ESN members. The troops also recovered a substantial cache of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and other items during the operation.

The statement emphasized the strategic importance of the Mother Valley headquarters and its role as the last stronghold for IPOB/ESN. The troops encountered and neutralized the terrorists, overcoming improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and various obstacles throughout the operation.

The recovered items included a range of weapons, ammunition, electronic devices, certificates, and uniforms. Notably, the troops destroyed approximately 50 tents in the Valley, housing the Supreme Headquarters, IPOB/ESN command and control center, Buteuzor’s hideout and residence, offices, logistics base, temples, and shrines used for occultic practices.

The Nigerian Army urged residents of Imo and Anambra States to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activities to the Joint Task Force OPUK, and provided an emergency line (193) for reporting.

This significant operation marks a notable development in the ongoing efforts to address security challenges in the region, with the military successfully targeting and dismantling a key alleged stronghold of IPOB/ESN.