Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Nigerian Army has defended a recent military operation in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, following allegations by residents that soldiers set residential buildings ablaze during a raid on the community.
Residents of Akwuke-Umudim in Imezi Owa had earlier accused troops attached to the 82 Division of invading the area and burning houses without explanation, claiming that several compounds were destroyed in the process.
Videos obtained from the community showed buildings engulfed in flames, while distressed residents lamented the destruction of homes and properties.
Some locals alleged that mostly elderly people and women were left behind in the community after many younger residents fled over fears of insecurity.
According to residents, at least seven compounds and about 10 houses were razed during the incident. There were also claims that an elderly sick woman became trapped inside one of the burning buildings.
A resident identified as Oliver Ezeani said the community was still trying to determine the full extent of the destruction caused during the operation.
“We are still assessing the damages and we have informed the state Commissioner of Police about the development,” Ezeani 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.
However, in a statement issued Friday night, the Army denied deliberately setting civilian homes on fire, insisting that the destruction occurred after improvised explosive devices allegedly stored by suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), exploded during a gun battle.
The statement, signed by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, said troops of Sector 1, Operation UDO KA, alongside other security agencies, carried out an intelligence-led patrol in the community on May 6, 2026.
According to the military, the operation was launched following intelligence aimed at tracking suspected collaborators linked to what it described as terrorist activities in the area.
The Army claimed that troops advancing on foot came under attack from armed men operating from a building allegedly used as a hideout by IPOB and ESN members.
It added that three soldiers sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire, but troops were able to repel the attackers and maintain control of the area.
“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 stated that security operatives recovered additional improvised explosive devices, improvised hand grenades and a shrine allegedly used for ritual activities during follow-up searches in the area.
According to the Army, the shrine was subsequently destroyed to prevent further criminal use.
The statement added that one suspected collaborator was arrested during the operation and later handed over to the police along with recovered items for further investigation.
The Army warned supporters and members of IPOB and ESN against engaging in what it described as unlawful activities, insisting that security agencies would continue operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks in the South-East.
The incident has further raised concerns among residents and rights groups over allegations of excessive force, destruction of civilian property and human rights violations during anti-separatist operations in the region.
Human rights organisations have repeatedly accused security agencies of arbitrary arrests, reprisals and destruction of homes in the course of operations linked to IPOB activities, allegations the military has consistently denied.
Meanwhile, IPOB has also repeatedly denied involvement in violent attacks across the South-East despite accusations by Nigerian security agencies.
