Tension rises in Enugu community as residents accuse soldiers of burning houses, while the Army blames detonated explosives allegedly stored by IPOB and ESN members.

The Nigerian Army has defended its recent operation in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, following allegations by residents that soldiers set houses ablaze during a raid on the community.

Residents of Akwuke-Umudim in Imezi Owa had accused troops of the 82 Division of invading the area and burning residential buildings without explanation, claiming that several compounds were destroyed in the process.
Videos from the community showed houses engulfed in flames, while residents lamented the destruction of homes and valuables. Some locals alleged that mostly elderly people and women remained in the community after younger residents fled over insecurity fears.
According to the residents, no fewer than seven compounds and about 10 houses were affected during the incident. There were also claims that an elderly sick woman became trapped inside one of the burning buildings.
A resident, Oliver Ezeani, said the community was still assessing the 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 stated.
“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 on 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, explained that 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 followed intelligence reports aimed at tracking suspected collaborators linked to what it described as terrorist activities in the area.
The Army stated 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 the troops successfully repelled the attackers and maintained 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 read.
The military further disclosed that security operatives recovered additional improvised explosive devices, improvised hand grenades and a shrine allegedly used for ritual activities during follow-up operations in the area.
According to the Army, the shrine was later destroyed to prevent further criminal use.
The statement also revealed that one suspected collaborator was arrested during the operation and subsequently 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 unlawful activities, maintaining that security agencies would continue operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks in the South-East.
The incident has again raised concerns among residents and human rights groups over allegations of excessive force, destruction of civilian property and 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 during operations linked to IPOB activities, allegations consistently denied by the military.
Meanwhile, IPOB has also repeatedly denied involvement in violent attacks across the South-East despite accusations from Nigerian security agencies.