Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed three suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during a joint security operation in Anambra State.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Army said the operation was carried out on June 23 by troops of Sector 5, Joint Task Force South-East Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with other security agencies.

It said, “Acting on credible intelligence on armed criminals reportedly masquerading in military camouflage and Nigeria Police uniforms to perpetrate violent attacks, the joint security team swiftly mobilised and tracked the suspects along the Ogboji–Ajali axis in Orumba South Local Government Area on 23 June 2026.

“The suspects were intercepted while moving in a white Toyota Sienna vehicle, leading to a fierce firefight during which three ESN operatives were neutralised.”

The army said troops recovered a PKM machine gun with 53 rounds of ammunition, two AK-47 rifles, additional rounds of 7.62mm and 5.56mm ammunition, four improvised explosive devices (IEDs), communication devices, a laptop and the suspects’ vehicle.

It noted that identification and financial documents belonging to suspected members of the group were recovered.

“Troops are currently exploiting the general area to track and apprehend fleeing and wounded members of the group,” it said.