Troops conducting Operation Eastern Sanity have intensified clearance operations against the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), destroying a major insurgent stronghold in Anambra State.
The operation, carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and supported by close air support from the Nigerian Air Force, targeted Camp Gbadoanya in Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State on 3 March 2026.
Military sources said the joint force advanced into the area to flush out remnants of IPOB/ESN fighters operating within the camp and surrounding communities as part of ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability across the South-East.
During the operation, troops identified and destroyed several insurgent camps while recovering a cache of weapons and equipment. Items recovered include pump-action guns, locally made dane guns, assorted rifle magazines, rifle components, belts of ammunition, and cutting machines.
Other items found at the camps included Biafran currency notes, materials used for the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), as well as Biafran Army band and musical equipment.
Troops also recovered a Biafran flag and a Biafran Army Headquarters flag at the location. Both flags were destroyed, after which soldiers hoisted the Nigerian flag in the cleared camp.
In a follow-up operation on 4 March 2026, troops continued the offensive and destroyed additional camps within the Camp Gbadoanya area. During the operation, soldiers also uncovered and dismantled an IED fabrication site.
The military reported that the facility was carefully exploited before being destroyed, with several bomb-making materials recovered from the location. Among the items recovered were welding machines, drilling machines, filling machines, car batteries, an electrode welding handle, twelve locally fabricated guns, rifle components and other IED manufacturing equipment.
Security authorities say the sustained operations under Operation Eastern Sanity are aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure, neutralising armed elements and restoring lasting peace and security across Anambra and neighbouring states, including Imo.
