By Gift Wada
At a glance, the South-East’s green forests and quiet rural corridors betray little evidence of the intense security contest that has played out beneath their cover. Yet across Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi and parts of Cross River State, communities have endured years of attacks on security personnel, the deployment of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), kidnappings and the exploitation of forested terrain by armed groups.
It was against this backdrop that the Nigerian Army rolled out Operation UDO KA, a phased security campaign designed to contain violent threats, dismantle criminal networks and rebuild public confidence across the region.
Briefings during a recent military media tour identified the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), as the most prominent security challenge within the area of operations. Military officials said their activities were often interwoven with criminal enterprises such as kidnapping, illegal oil bunkering and arms trafficking, with proceeds sustaining broader violence.
The operational environment was further complicated by expansive forests straddling state boundaries, which provided cover for armed groups to establish camps, evade patrols and deploy IEDs as counter-mobility measures. Imo and Anambra states emerged as major flashpoints, accounting for frequent attacks and the highest incidence of roadside explosives.
Operation UDO KA was executed in phases. The initial phase prioritised de-escalation and containment, aimed at halting the spread of violence while mapping key actors, camps and logistics chains. This was pursued through intelligence-driven raids complemented by non-kinetic measures, including stakeholder engagements and town hall meetings to weaken community support for armed groups and encourage information sharing.
During this period, troops dismantled numerous camps across the South-East, arrested suspects and recovered weapons, ammunition and explosives. Efforts against illegal oil bunkering were also scaled up, leading to the destruction of illicit refining sites believed to be major sources of funding for criminal activity.
The second phase marked a transition to decisive operations, with focused offensives on identified strongholds. In areas such as Okigwe in Imo State and parts of Anambra, troops advanced into difficult terrain to dislodge armed elements, destroy IED manufacturing facilities and disrupt leadership structures. Military sources said these actions significantly curtailed the freedom of movement of criminal groups and forced many to abandon long-held hideouts.
Ajali Forest in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State offers a clear illustration of the operation’s impact. Linking Enugu and Anambra states, the forest had long served as a sanctuary for armed groups due to its dense vegetation and vast expanse.
Journalists on the media tour observed cleared routes, destroyed camps and newly opened forest lines, as troops pushed into previously inaccessible areas. Military authorities confirmed that multiple camps were dismantled, IEDs neutralised and arms and equipment recovered. Heavy machinery has since been deployed to further open the forest, denying criminals safe havens while restoring access for surrounding farming communities.
For residents, the shift has been visible, with areas once considered no-go zones gradually reopening and reports of intimidation and movement restrictions declining.
Beyond kinetic operations, the Army emphasised the role of non-kinetic measures in stabilising the region. Civil-military cooperation projects, medical outreaches, skills acquisition schemes and disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) initiatives have been implemented alongside combat operations.
In parts of Cross River and Ebonyi states, militants and vigilante members have voluntarily surrendered arms under amnesty and reintegration programmes. Support to other security and regulatory agencies, including operations against fake and substandard drugs, has further broadened the operation’s civilian footprint.
A notable benchmark was recorded during Operation SAFE EMBER, the special security initiative during the 2025 festive season. Troops rescued kidnapped victims, thwarted attempts at boat hijackings on inland waterways and maintained a visible presence that helped ensure relative calm across several communities.
Despite these advances, military commanders warn that the security situation remains fluid. Armed groups, though weakened, have not been completely eliminated, while challenges such as misinformation, politicisation of security operations and external funding channels persist.
According to the Army, the next phase of Operation UDO KA will focus on consolidating gains through sustained patrols, intelligence-led operations and closer coordination with other security agencies and state governments. Plans are also in place to expand non-kinetic interventions, including amnesty and reintegration, to additional flashpoint areas.
For now, sustained military pressure has reshaped the security landscape of the South-East, shrinking the operational space of armed groups and reopening communities long overshadowed by fear. Whether these gains endure will hinge on continued public cooperation and broader efforts to entrench lasting stability.