Troops of the Joint Task Force South East (JTF SE) Operation UDO KA (OPUK), including personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, on 26 February 2026 conducted a final foot assault on the notorious Mother Valley in Nkwere, Anambra State, a long-standing stronghold of IPOB/ESN operatives. The combined troops advanced for over three hours through challenging terrain, displaying courage, discipline, and professionalism to dominate the valley despite heavy resistance.
During the operation, hostile elements used locally made hand-held IEDs and sustained gunfire to repel the advance. Troops, however, successfully overwhelmed the criminals, neutralising one IPOB member while forcing several others to retreat with gunshot injuries, effectively dismantling their defensive positions.
A significant cache of weapons and equipment was recovered, including two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated firearm, one tear gas gun, seven gas cylinders, an electric kettle, and flags linked to extremist propaganda. Troops also destroyed all life-support facilities at the group’s Supreme Headquarters in the valley, including solar panels and a Mikano generator, severely disrupting their operational capacity.
In a related move, two suspected IPOB members were apprehended by an ambush team—one while attempting to plant an IED and another identified as a spy monitoring troop movements. Security forces also recovered a KIA saloon car and a black Toyota Sequoia from a terrorist parking area within the valley. The suspects are in custody for profiling and further investigation, while clearance operations continue to prevent the criminals from regaining territory or freedom of action.
The operation delivers a clear message to criminal networks: there will be no safe haven, no sanctuary, and no escape. The Nigerian Army and its partners remain resolute and committed to dismantling terrorist structures across the South East and nationwide. Law-abiding citizens are assured of a sustained security presence, while those seeking to threaten peace should expect decisive and lawful force.
