Military pressure forces IPOB/ESN fighters to surrender arms in South-East

Military authorities in Nigeria's South-East report a growing trend of fighters from the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), surrendering their weapons. This development is attributed to sustained military operations and logistical pressures exerted by Operation UDO KA.

The military's operational report indicates that offensive actions in areas like Ohaji-Egbema and Orsumoghu have compelled some fighters to capitulate. These surrenders have resulted in the recovery of significant caches of arms and ammunition, including three rifles, six magazines, 99 rounds of ammunition, four locally made guns, and one improvised explosive device (IED).

One notable instance involved a militant leader identified as “Comedy,” who reportedly disclosed the location of buried weapons to the Imo State Amnesty Committee. Following this disclosure, a recovery team exhumed and handed over one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 54 rounds of ammunition, and four locally made guns to the 34 Artillery Brigade.

Military officials assess that these successes will likely encourage other militant groups to voluntarily surrender their illegal arms. The report also notes that other IPOB/ESN elements are actively seeking safe channels to hand over their weapons. Meanwhile, troops continue to maintain operational pressure and monitor movements across the South-East. In a related operation, troops recovered two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and 45 rounds of ammunition following a viral video showing their recovery by the Anambra Vigilante Group. All recovered items are in military custody as operations persist.