A Nigerian Army soldier deployed under Operation Udoka has been killed by suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) after allegedly sneaking out of his duty post to attend a party in Anambra State.
The incident occurred on the evening of Saturday, May 18, 2025, at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Uli, Ihiala Local Government Area.
According to security sources, the soldier left his base without authorization to attend a strippers’ event dubbed “Ladies’ Jamboree” at a nearby hotel — all while dressed in full military camouflage. He was subsequently accosted and fatally shot by individuals believed to be members of IPOB’s armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
A source familiar with the situation disclosed:
“It was during a tactical operation that it was discovered the soldier was missing. He had sneaked out to attend a strippers’ party in uniform. He was ambushed and killed by suspected IPOB/ESN fighters. His lifeless body, along with that of a baby, was later recovered at the scene. His weapon was retrieved and is now in military custody.”
Efforts to reach the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, for an official statement were unsuccessful, as his phone was switched off and he had not responded to messages as of the time of reporting.
Operation Udoka is a Defence Headquarters-led operation aimed at tackling separatist and insurgent threats in the South-East region. The incident marks the latest in a string of targeted attacks on security personnel in the zone, where IPOB and ESN have been accused of carrying out violent campaigns against state forces.
