Anambra Joint Security Forces Raid Criminal Camp in Ihiala, Destroy Bomb Factory, Demobilize IEDs

Security forces in Anambra State have intensified their offensive against criminal elements with a successful raid on a notorious camp in Isseke, Ihiala Local Government Area, leading to the destruction of a local bomb factory and the recovery and demobilization of several improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The joint operation, which took place on Saturday, May 24, 2025, involved personnel from the Nigeria Police, the Military, and the Anambra State Vigilante Group.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, the raid targeted one of the last strongholds of a secessionist group in the state.

“This criminal camp, which had been impregnable for over two years, served as a base from which hoodlums launched violent attacks across the state,” Ikenga said.

During the operation, security operatives successfully destroyed a bomb-making facility and neutralized multiple locally fabricated IEDs. However, one of the devices, which had been buried around the camp, detonated during the operation, causing significant damage to a nearby road.

“The IED acted as a shield to prevent the Joint Forces from accessing the facility,” the statement explained. “Fortunately, no lives were lost during the offensive.”

 Ikenga emphasized that the joint forces have sustained their operational dominance in the area and are committed to fully reclaiming and securing the region from criminal elements.

“The security forces have sustained the operational security dominance and advancement aimed at fully reclaiming the area from the criminals,” the statement added.

The Anambra State Police Command reiterated its commitment to rooting out criminal hideouts and restoring peace and stability across the State.