Nigerian troops have neutralized a notorious IPOB/ESN commander, known by the alias “Alhaji”, and 26 of his fighters during coordinated military operations across parts of the Southeast region.
According to a statement from Defence Headquarters, the operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering on the group’s movements, which culminated in simultaneous raids on their camps in Anambra and Imo States. The troops also arrested 22 suspects, recovered several assault rifles, ammunition, explosives, and vehicles used in attacks on civilians and security operatives.
Defence spokesperson Maj. Gen. Edward Buba described the operation as “a decisive success” that disrupted the separatist network’s logistics and command structure. He emphasized that the military remains focused on restoring peace to affected communities and warned that similar offensives would continue.
Residents of the raided areas expressed relief, saying the region has been terrorized for months by the militants who carried out kidnappings and extortions under the guise of enforcing IPOB’s sit-at-home orders.
Security experts, however, have urged the government to complement its kinetic approach with dialogue and rehabilitation initiatives for repentant agitators to achieve long-term stability.
