The Nigerian Army has carried out clearing operations at several camps allegedly linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant group, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.
According to the lieutenant colonel, the strategy was as follows. 82nd Division Army Public Relations Deputy Chief Jonah Unuakaru in a statement on Thursday targeted areas along Umuroro-Umukele-Amusu and Agbobo.
Mr. Unuakar said the attack was a joint operation involving troops from the 82nd Division of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps.
The military made shocking discoveries during the operation, including the burnt corpse of a police officer and his rank insignia, the statement said, adding that the two police officers were kidnapped along the Enugu-Port Harcourt road.
It added that the force encountered several improvised explosive devices (IEDs) but succeeded in destroying the hideout of suspected terrorists.
The statement further said that the building used by the terrorist suspects was sealed off and searched, revealing signs of terrorist, occult and cannibalism.
According to Unuakal, an IED manufacturing factory was destroyed and items including Biafran currency, fake US dollar notes, Biafran Liberation Army T-shirts and other Biafran insignia were recovered.
Other items found include a bag of military kit, a cable used to explode an IED, and an ax, and two suspects were arrested.
“The military also destroyed a terrorist IED manufacturing factory,” the statement said.
“The military has recovered the rank insignia of two policemen who were abducted along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Road.
“Other items recovered include Biafran currency, fake US dollar notes, Biafran Liberation Army T-shirts and other Biafran insignia.
“Military kit bags, cables and axes used to explode IEDs.
“Two suspects were arrested and the body of a police officer was also found, which was burnt for a proper burial.”
In a related incident in Owerri metropolis of Imo State, troops on night patrol thwarted a kidnapping plot by IPOB/ESN terrorist suspects.
A gunfight ensued and the gunmen abandoned the victim. Weapons including AK-47 rifles and G-3 rifles with magazines and vehicles used by the terrorists were recovered.
Major General Hassan Dada, Chief of Staff, 82nd Division Commander (GOC) of the Nigerian Army, visited Eha Amufu community in Isi-Uzo LGA of Enugu State on January 24, 2024.
Addressing the community, he appealed for cooperation with the military to end insecurity in the region and pledged determination to resolve pastoralist-farmer conflicts and youth backlash. He also met with other security agencies to strengthen continued cooperation efforts.
The GOC thanked the various security agencies for their cooperation and encouraged the public to support the military by pressing 2 and providing timely and reliable information through the emergency line '193'. The Nigerian military remains committed to protecting lives and property in the South. – East playing a constitutional role.
