The gallant troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) South East, Operation UDO KA (OPUK), comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, have launched a daring final foot assault into the notorious Mother Valley in Nkwere, Anambra State, a long-standing enclave of IPOB/ESN elements.
According to an official report made available to our correspondent at the Army Headquarters in Abuja on Friday, the combined troops advanced relentlessly for over three hours through difficult and restrictive terrain, demonstrating exceptional courage, discipline and professionalism to penetrate and dominate the valley despite fierce resistance.
The report stated that during the intense engagement, the criminals employed locally made hand-held improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and heavy gunfire in a desperate attempt to halt the advance.
According to the report, “Undeterred, troops decisively overwhelmed the hostile elements, neutralising one IPOB member, while several others fled with gunshot wounds, effectively shattering their defensive positions and operational cohesion.”
It added that a significant cache of weapons and logistics was recovered, including two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated gun, one tear gas gun, seven gas cylinders, an electric kettle and flags linked to extremist propaganda.
The report further explained that the troops also destroyed all life-support structures at the terrorists’ Supreme Headquarters in the valley, including solar panels and a Mikano generator, dealing a critical blow to their operational sustainability.
It added that in a related operation, two suspected IPOB members were arrested by an ambush team, one while attempting to plant an IED and the other identified as a spy monitoring troop movements.
According to the report, “Additionally, one Kia saloon car and one black Toyota Sequoia jeep were recovered from a terrorist car park within the valley.”
It further explained that the suspects are currently in custody for profiling and further investigation, while troops continue aggressive clearance operations to deny the criminals any freedom of action.
According to the report, “This decisive operation sends a clear and unmistakable warning to all criminal elements: there will be no hiding place, no sanctuary and no escape.”
The report reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army remains resolute, relentless and fully committed to dismantling all terrorist networks across the South East and the entire nation. It assured law-abiding citizens of sustained security presence and protection, while warning that criminals should expect swift, overwhelming and lawful force wherever they attempt to threaten peace and stability.
