The Nigerian Army has declared that it conducted clearance operations in multiple camps purportedly affiliated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). These operations took place along Umulolo-Umukele-Amousu and Agbobu in the Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.
The raids, according to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, 82 Division Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, were jointly carried out by troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force in conjunction with the police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The army claimed that shocking discoveries were made during the raids, including the burnt corpses of policemen and their rank badges.
According to Unuakhalu, the troops stormed and destroyed the hideouts of the alleged terrorists despite encountering several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
Unuakhalu said that the troops also cordoned off and searched several buildings used by the alleged terrorists.
According to him, during the search, signs of terrorist activities, occult practices and acts of cannibalism by the group were discovered.
He said: “The troops also destroyed the IED-making factory of the terrorist.
“The troops recovered rank badges of two policemen that were kidnapped along Enugu-Port Harcourt Road.
“Other items discovered include Biafran currencies, fake US Dollar bills, Biafran Liberation Army T-shirts, and other Biafran insignia.
“Military kit bags, cables used for IED detonation and axes.
“Two suspects were arrested and also burnt policemen corpses were discovered for proper burial.”
In another development in Owerri metropolis in Imo, troops on night patrol thwarted a kidnapping attempt by some suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists.
The army spokesman said that the troops engaged the criminals in a gun duel forcing them to abandon the victim.
He said that troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and magazine, a G-3 rifle with mounted magazines and the vehicle used by terrorists.
Unuakhalu said: “Furthermore, in a bid to strengthen cordial civil-military relations and create a peaceful society, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, visited Eha-Amufu community in Isi-Uzo LGA of Enugu State on Jan. 24, 2024.
“The GOC, who addressed the people of the community at their village square, advised the community on the need to cooperate and assist the military to put an end to the insecurity of the community and the region at large.
“He assured the people of his commitment to end the herders and farmers clash and youth restiveness within the region.
“He met with other security agencies in the council area and enjoined them not to relent on the ongoing collaborative efforts and synergy of information gathering and sharing with the military for improved security within the community and South-East.”
Unuakhalu said that the GOC appreciated the incredible cooperation of other security agencies for the success achieved so far.
“The GOC wishes to enjoin the good people of the South-East to support and continually provide timely, reliable and credible information through the Emergency Line ‘193’ by pressing 2.
“The Nigerian Army will continue to protect lives and property of the good people of the South-East as it carries out its constitutional roles within the ambit of the law,”
he added.
