Troops of Sector 1 of Operation UDO KA have destroyed a suspected ritual shrine and recovered improvised explosive devices during a security operation targeting alleged members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni.

According to the statement, the operation was carried out on May 6 in collaboration with other security agencies following intelligence reports on the activities of suspected terrorist collaborators in the community.

The Army said troops on an intelligence-led patrol came under attack from gunmen operating from a building allegedly used as a hideout by IPOB and ESN members.

Three soldiers were reportedly injured during the exchange of gunfire and were evacuated to a military medical facility for treatment.

The statement noted that despite the attack, the troops overpowered the gunmen, secured the area and maintained operational control throughout the operation.

It added that improvised explosive devices stored inside the suspected hideout detonated during the gun battle, triggering a fire outbreak that destroyed the building.

During a follow-up search of the area, troops recovered additional IEDs, improvised hand grenades and a shrine allegedly used for ritual activities. The military said the shrine was subsequently destroyed to prevent further criminal use.

One suspected collaborator was also arrested and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Ezeagu Division, for further investigation.

The Army urged residents to remain calm and avoid harbouring criminal elements, warning members and sympathisers of IPOB and ESN to desist from unlawful activities or face decisive action.

It stressed that security forces remained committed to restoring peace and dismantling criminal networks operating in the region.

Meanwhile, videos circulating online showed several buildings engulfed in flames, with some residents alleging that at least seven compounds and about 10 houses were destroyed during the incident.

In one of the videos, residents claimed that an elderly sick woman was trapped inside one of the burning buildings.