In a joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, sister services, Nigeria Police, and other security agencies, successful raids were conducted on hideouts and training camps belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Orsomoghu Forest, spanning Anambra and Imo States.
The operation, carried out on Monday, July 31, 2023, was in response to the illegal two-week sit-at-home order enforced by the irredentist group in Onitsha, Nnewi, and Iheme Obosi in Anambra State, as well as New Market in Enugu State.
During the raid, troops encountered armed fighters from the group, who resorted to detonating Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) known as Ogbunigwe and firing using locally fabricated mortar tubes. Nevertheless, the valiant troops overpowered the group in the firefight, forcing them to retreat with gunshot wounds into nearby bushes.
The thorough cordon and search of the hideouts led to the arrest of five fleeing members of the group. The troops also recovered one IPOB flag, one CCTV camera, two detonated IED bombs, and a fabricated mortar tube. Unfortunately, five soldiers and two Nigeria Police operatives sustained injuries from the IED detonations.
The Nigerian Army urges law-abiding citizens of the South East to continue supporting the ongoing operations with actionable information and disregard the unlawful two-week sit-at-home order by resuming their normal daily activities and businesses.
