Nigerian Army Confirms Burn!ng Of Houses In Enugu Community, Claims !EDs Stored By IPOB Caused Expl0sion

 

Nigerian Army Confirms Burning Of Houses In Enugu Community, Claims IEDs Stored By IPOB Caused Explosion

The army’s confirmation comes after residents accused troops attached to the 82 Division Nigerian Army of setting residential houses ablaze during a raid on the community.

The Nigerian Army has confirmed that buildings were destroyed during a military operation in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, claiming that improvised explosive devices allegedly stored by suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, detonated and triggered the fire outbreak.

 

The army’s confirmation comes after residents accused troops attached to the 82 Division Nigerian Army of setting residential houses ablaze during a raid on the community.

In a statement issued on Friday night by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the military said troops of Sector 1, Operation UDO KA, alongside other security agencies, carried out an intelligence-led patrol mission in the community on May 6, 2026.

According to the army, the operation followed efforts to track alleged “terrorist” collaborators within the area.

The statement claimed that troops advancing into the community on foot came under attack from gunmen operating from a building allegedly used as a hideout by IPOB/ESN members.

The Army said three personnel sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire but that troops “maintained operational dominance” and successfully repelled the attack.

“During the exchange of fire, Improvised Explosive Devices stored by the terrorists in the building used as their hideout detonated and triggered a fire outbreak that destroyed the hideout,” the statement said.

The military further claimed that subsequent searches in the area led to the recovery of additional IEDs, improvised hand grenades and a shrine allegedly used for ritual activities.

According to the statement, the shrine was destroyed to prevent its continued use for criminal activities.

The army also announced the arrest of one suspected collaborator during the operation, adding that the suspect and recovered items had been handed over to the police for further investigation.

The military warned members and supporters of IPOB and ESN to desist from what it described as illegal activities or face “the full consequences of their actions.”

“Security forces remain resolute in their determination to build peace in the region and will continue to dismantle criminal networks and deny terrorists any freedom of action,” the statement added.

However, the Nigerian Army’s explanation contrasts sharply with accounts earlier given by residents of the community, who alleged that soldiers deliberately set homes on fire during the operation.

SaharaReporters had reported that residents of Akwuke-Umudim in Imezi Owa accused soldiers of invading the community and burning down residential compounds without explanation.

Videos obtained by SaharaReporters showed several buildings engulfed in flames, with residents claiming that at least seven compounds and about 10 houses were razed during the incident.

In one of the videos, frightened residents were heard lamenting that mostly elderly people and women remained in the community after many young men fled.

Residents also alleged that an elderly sick woman was trapped inside one of the burning houses.

Speaking to SaharaReporters, a resident identified as Oliver Ezeani said the community was still assessing the scale of destruction caused by the incident.

“We are still assessing the damages and we have informed the state Commissioner of Police about the development,” Ezeani had said.

“As of last night, about 10 houses in seven compounds had been completely burnt down by the soldiers. Initially, we thought it was Fulani attackers, but residents who witnessed the incident said it was carried out by the Nigerian military.”

“Till now, we still do not know the reason for the invasion and burning of the community,” he added.

The latest incident has intensified concerns among residents and human rights groups over allegations of excessive force and destruction of civilian property during military operations in Nigeria’s South-East region.

Rights organisations have repeatedly accused security agencies of carrying out arbitrary arrests, reprisal attacks and destruction of homes while enforcing anti-separatist operations linked to IPOB activities.

IPOB has consistently denied involvement in violent attacks in the region despite repeated accusations by Nigerian security agencies.