The Nigerian Army has announced the execution of clearance operations in camps allegedly associated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), situated along Umulolo-Umukele-Amousu and Agbobu in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.
In a statement issued by Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, the Acting Deputy Director of 82 Division Army Public Relations, the raids were jointly conducted by troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with the police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The army claimed to have made shocking discoveries during the operations, including burnt corpses of policemen along with their rank badges. Unuakhalu stated that despite encountering several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), the troops successfully stormed and destroyed alleged terrorist hideouts.
During the raids, signs of terrorist activities, occult practices, and acts of cannibalism were reportedly discovered. Unuakhalu mentioned, “The troops also destroyed the IED-making factory of the terrorist.” Additionally, the military recovered rank badges of two kidnapped policemen, Biafran currencies, fake US Dollar bills, Biafran Liberation Army T-shirts, and other Biafran insignia. Military kit bags, cables for IED detonation, and axes were also among the confiscated items.
The statement mentioned that two suspects were arrested, and the burnt corpses of policemen were discovered for proper burial. In a separate incident in Owerri metropolis, troops on a night patrol reportedly foiled a kidnapping attempt by suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists, engaging them in a gun duel. The criminals abandoned the victim, and the troops recovered weapons and the vehicle used in the attempted kidnapping.
In an effort to strengthen civil-military relations, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, visited Eha-Amufu community in Isi-Uzo LGA of Enugu State. During the visit, he urged the community to cooperate and assist the military in addressing insecurity issues, assuring them of his commitment to resolving herders and farmers’ clashes and youth restiveness in the region.
The GOC appreciated the cooperation of other security agencies and called on the people of the South-East to provide timely and credible information through the Emergency Line ‘193’. The statement emphasized the Nigerian Army’s dedication to protecting lives and property in the South-East within the framework of the law.
