In a decisive move, Nigerian Air Force fighter jets, as part of Operation Udo Ka II, carried out targeted strikes on the armouries and hideouts of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) combatants in Anambra and Imo states. The air operations, executed on Tuesday, were a proactive response to credible intelligence indicating the group’s plans to unleash mayhem on residents and other states in the region.
Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), revealed in a statement on Wednesday that the fighter jets successfully conducted air strikes on IPOB fighters’ enclaves in Mother Valley Orsumughu, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, and Aku Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State. The locations targeted were identified as armouries belonging to the combatants.
The decision to launch the air strikes was based on the intelligence report suggesting that IPOB/ESN (Eastern Security Network) terrorists had finalized plans to disrupt civic activities in Anambra State and other states in Southeast Nigeria. The operations were carried out in conjunction with ground troops and other security agencies.
Gabkwet explained, “The strikes hit the target and were deemed successful following the ball of fire, fleeing terrorists at the location, as well as feedback received.” He further detailed that the air strikes destroyed the IPOB fighters’ camps in Aku Ihube, Imo State, where they were planning to hold a meeting.
The statement emphasized the high degree of success in both operations, highlighting the coordinated efforts of the air component and ground forces. The preemptive strikes aimed to neutralize the threat posed by the IPOB combatants and ensure the safety of residents in the region.
