…recover weapons, IED materials
By Chucks Nwonye
Nigerian troops have stormed a suspected IPOB-linked criminal camp in Abator, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, rescuing kidnapped victims and recovering a cache of firearms, ammunition and materials suspected to be used for the production of improvised explosive devices, IEDs.
The operation, which involved a daring river crossing and penetration of dense forest terrain, was conducted on October 1, 2025, following a successful rescue mission in the Osakwa General Area of Ihiala Local Government Area.
Security sources said the coordinated operation was carried out by troops of 185 Battalion in collaboration with local security volunteers, after actionable intelligence led them to the hideout of the criminal syndicate.
It was gathered that at about 5:30 a.m. on October 1, troops launched a follow-up operation in Osakwa General Area, Ihiala LGA, where three abducted persons had earlier been rescued from the hands of kidnappers.
During that operation, the troops arrested a suspected member of the kidnapping syndicate, identified as Sunday Obi, who was apprehended at the scene.
Upon interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed and disclosed that the syndicate’s main camp was located at Abator, across the Isieke waterside in Ogbaru LGA, a location known for its difficult terrain and dense forest cover.
The intelligence provided by the suspect triggered an immediate follow-up operation, with troops mobilizing to dislodge the criminals from their hideout.
Sources said the operation was particularly challenging as it required troops to navigate waterways and penetrate deep into the forest where the suspects had established their camp.
Undeterred by the difficult environment, the joint force of soldiers and local security volunteers mobilized canoes to cross the Isieke river and advanced towards the suspected camp on foot through the thick forest.
Upon reaching the location, troops made contact with the suspected criminals, engaging them in a gun duel that forced the occupants of the camp to flee in disarray into the surrounding forest, with some of them sustaining gunshot wounds in the process.
The troops dominated the area and conducted a thorough search of the camp, leading to the recovery of a significant cache of weapons and other incriminating items.
Recovered from the camp were firearms, large quantities of ammunition, and electronic equipment suspected to be used for criminal operations.
Also recovered were materials suspected to be used in the production of improvised explosive devices, IEDs, indicating that the camp may have been used as a bomb-making factory for attacks.
Other items recovered include a solar generator, a power bank, a car battery, two motorcycle batteries, two solar panels and two mobile phones.
Military sources said the recovery of solar power equipment and batteries shows that the criminals had established a fairly permanent base in the forest, powering their operations and communications away from public glare.
The recovered items, according to the military, are expected to support further investigations into the activities, logistics and potential supply networks of the suspected criminal group.
The Army said the operation has significantly degraded the operational capability of the syndicate in Ogbaru and Ihiala axis, which has in recent months witnessed cases of kidnapping, extortion and attacks linked to IPOB-linked criminal elements.
The military high command commended the troops of 185 Battalion and the local security volunteers for their courage, professionalism and swift response, particularly for undertaking the difficult river crossing and forest operation.
It also reassured residents of Anambra State and the entire South-East region of its commitment to sustain aggressive operations against criminal camps and to restore peace and security.
The Army urged members of the public to continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to aid ongoing operations against criminal elements in the region.
