Troops Neutralise IPOB/ESN Fighter, Recover Weapons in Anambra Offensive
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 185 Battalion, in collaboration with the Military Police, Department of State Services and local vigilantes, have neutralised an IPOB/ESN operative during an offensive operation in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The operation was conducted at about 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, following intelligence on suspected IPOB/ESN strongholds at Obene Village and Abator Village, within the Ochuche and Umunankwo communities.
According to a military situation update obtained by Zagazola Makama, troops launched a dawn assault on the identified positions, forcing the terrorists to flee while engaging the advancing troops with gunfire.
The troops pursued the fleeing fighters and followed blood stains along their withdrawal route. One of the terrorists was subsequently neutralised, while the fleeing members of the group reportedly escaped with the corpse of another operative killed during the operation.
Troops recovered two pump-action guns, two motorcycles and materials suspected to be used for making improvised explosive devices, alongside other sundry items.
However, the operation suffered a fatal setback when a soldier, identified as Private Danladi Zakariya, stepped on an IED while troops were returning to their start line.
The explosive detonated in situ, causing severe injuries to the soldier. He was immediately evacuated to a hospital but unfortunately died from severe blood loss while being transported.
His remains have been deposited at the St. Charles Borromeo Hospital mortuary in Onitsha.
Despite the loss, the troops maintained control of the area and continued offensive operations against the suspected IPOB/ESN elements.
The military said the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remained high as operations continued to deny the terrorists freedom of action within the area.
