The Headquarters of Operation UDO KA and the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army have dismissed viral social media claims alleging that images of recovered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from Orsu-Eketutu Mother Valley and Orsu–Ihiteukwa in Imo State were fabricated.
Lt.-Col. Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, who disclosed this on Sunday, said the division is inviting media organisations and civil society groups to undertake a verification tour of the operational areas.
He averred that the images, which were published on March 12, 2026, alongside a press release on its official social media platforms, were authentic and were taken during the ongoing Operation Eastern Sanity, being conducted simultaneously in Imo and Anambra states. It explained that the geo-location details on the pictures were deliberately blurred for operational security reasons and not for any ulterior motive as alleged by supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
According to the military, troops involved in the operation have dislodged several camps, hideouts, and IED-manufacturing facilities belonging to IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), across the Mother Valley axis spanning the two states. It added that the recent online narratives were part of attempts by the groups to discredit ongoing security operations after suffering major setbacks in the area.
The Army further alleged that individuals identified on social media as Harry Da Diegot (@trigottista) on X and @Adaigboglobal on Facebook manipulated the metadata of the images released by the Army by inserting geo-location tags suggesting the pictures were taken in Lagos and Oyo states. It also criticised attempts to introduce ethnic narratives by referencing the background of a serving officer rather than addressing the substance of the military operation.
To address the controversy and promote transparency, the Headquarters of Operation UDO KA said it is inviting media executives, journalists, civil society organisations and other interested stakeholders to inspect the operational locations and view recovered IED-making materials, under arrangements that will not compromise ongoing operations or the safety of personnel.
The Army reiterated that it remains an apolitical, professional, and multi-ethnic institution whose personnel serve across the country regardless of state of origin. It urged Nigerians and social media users to verify information through official channels before sharing claims capable of undermining national unity.
The 82 Division Army Public Relations office said interested media and civil society representatives can contact its headquarters to arrange appointments for the inspection tour.
