Troops of Operation UDOKA have successfully reopened the strategic Lilu–Eketutu Road in Imo State, which had been abandoned for over three years due to threats from proscribed IPOB/ESN militants.

The joint clearance operations form part of the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY, aimed at dismantling criminal enclaves and restoring security and normalcy to affected communities.

In a coordinated operation conducted on 6 March 2026, personnel from the 34 Artillery Brigade Nigerian Army, alongside the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, DSS, Nigeria Police, and NSCDC, cleared the route of multiple Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by criminals.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists successfully disarmed and recovered the devices, preventing potential casualties and enabling the safe movement of people and goods along the community lifeline.

Following this, on 11 March 2026, troops conducted a clearance operation in the Orsu–Ihiteukwa area, detonating several IEDs along the way while maintaining operational momentum.

During the mission, security forces discovered and dismantled an IPOB/ESN IED-making factory, seizing numerous items including:
Biafran flags and insignia
7.62 mm NATO ammunition
Pipes and electrical components used for IED fabrication
Pistol magazines and double-barrel guns
CCTV cameras and multiple clips
EOD teams also discovered additional concealed explosives, which were safely disconnected, recovered, and destroyed.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal networks in Imo State and across the South East, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation in providing timely intelligence to security agencies.