Biafra

Army discovers bombs in Abia forest ahead of Operation Eastern Sanity

By Steve Oko

The Nigerian Army said it had uncovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at the Umuchima Forest in Abia State, in what it described as a major operational breakthrough ahead of its planned Operation Eastern Sanity.

The discovery was confirmed in a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 14 Brigade Ohafia, Captain Mazinho Attah, who said the operation formed part of intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.

According to the statement, the explosives were discovered on Sunday morning during a clearance operation conducted by troops of the 14 Brigade along the Umuchima pipeline route leading into the forest.

The statement read in part:
“On 8 February 2026, at about 9:00 a.m., troops of the Brigade, while conducting clearance operations along the Umuchima pipeline route leading into the forest, discovered two improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

“The IEDs were locally fabricated using 5kg gas cylinders, nails, water-gel explosives, two detonators and electrical cables.”

It added that further exploitation of the area led to the recovery of four empty cartridge cases and two bags containing nails, while troops also successfully dismantled a camp belonging to criminal elements operating in the forest.

The statement disclosed that the success followed credible intelligence provided by a suspect currently under investigation, who reportedly confessed to being a “subject-matter expert” in the fabrication of explosive devices.

Linking the discovery to the activities of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the Army said the operation represented a significant gain within ongoing shaping operations ahead of the Brigade’s Operation Eastern Sanity, aimed at flushing out criminal elements in the South-East.

The Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Ahmad Mansur Dikko, was quoted as expressing satisfaction with the conduct of the troops, commending their professionalism, resilience and determination.

The statement noted that further exploitation of the Umuchima Forest is ongoing, adding that although the general security situation within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility remains calm, it is unpredictable.

It assured that troops are maintaining maximum vigilance, with morale and fighting efficiency described as high and satisfactory.