Nigerian Army has reported a successful operation against a suspected camp of ESN

The Nigerian Army has reported a successful operation against a suspected camp of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Abia State, resulting in the recovery of weapons and a substantial amount of cash. The raid, conducted by the 144 Battalion under Operation UDO KA, occurred on May 23rd in the Ugwunagbo LGA. The operation followed credible intel that indicated the presence of a militant camp in the Ebubengwa/Abayi Nchokoro community.

The ESN camp was overrun and dismantled, with the following items recovered:
- 1 Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG)
- 1 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG)
- 4 AK-47 rifles
- 1 G3 rifle
- 3 Pump-action shotguns
- 800 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
- 648 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition
- Two generators
- Laptops
- CCTV equipment
- Mobile phones
- Wi-Fi router
- External hard drives
- ₦11.75 million in cash
- $27,000

The troops also found and destroyed a large shrine, which is suspected to have been used for spiritual rituals by the militants. Several vehicles and motorcycles were either confiscated or destroyed during the operation:
- 1 Honda Pilot SUV
- 2 Toyota Highlander SUVs
- 1 Toyota Hiace bus
- 1 mini bus
- 1 tricycle
- 2 motorcycles

The Army stated that the militants sustained significant casualties, with trails of blood indicating a number of them were injured. However, the exact number of casualties on the enemy side is not yet known. The Army reported one fatality and two injuries among their troops, with the deceased taken to the Federal Medical Center in Umuahia and the injured receiving treatment in Aba.

The area remains secured with continuous patrols to prevent any further militant activities. This operation is part of the ongoing efforts to combat insecurity and maintain peace in the region.