In collaboration with other security agencies, the troops dismantled several training camps and hideouts used by the fighters.
Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, disclosed on Tuesday that the operations were conducted based on intelligence that the IPOB fighters were enforcing a sit-at-home order in Onitsha.
The ongoing operations aimed to thwart the enforcement of an illegal two-week sit-at-home order declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network. The combined forces of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, sister services, Nigeria Police, and other security agencies successfully raided the hideouts and training camps belonging to IPOB/ESN in the Orsomoghu Forest, which stretches across Anambra and Imo states.
“The raid operation was carried out on Monday, July 13, 2023, when troops were alerted to the violent activities of the irredentist group enforcing the illegal two weeks sit-at-home order in Onitsha, Nnewi, and Iheme Obosi in Anambra State, as well as New Market in Enugu State,” the statement read.
The troops cleared IPOB camps in Ekeututu, Orsomoghu, Lilu, and Mother Valley during the operation. The encounter with the group’s armed fighters resulted in detonating Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and using locally fabricated mortar tubes. However, the courageous troops managed to overpower the irredentist group in the ensuing firefight, compelling them to flee with gunshot wounds into nearby bushes.
Further searches of the hideouts led to the arrest of five fleeing group members. Additionally, the troops recovered one IPOB flag, one CCTV camera; two detonated IED bombs, and a fabricated mortar tube. Regrettably, five soldiers and two Nigeria Police operatives sustained varying degrees of injuries from the criminals’ IED detonations.
Brig. Gen. Nwachukwu called on citizens of the South East to support the ongoing operations by providing actionable information. He also urged them to disregard the two-week sit-at-home order and resume their normal daily activities and businesses without fear.
As the situation unfolds, the Nigerian Army continues to encourage law-abiding citizens to cooperate with the security forces and provide essential intelligence to ensure the safety and security of the region.
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