In an ongoing effort to neutralize the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the Nigerian Army said its troops have conducted a series of intensified clearance operations in Abia State.
Gunmen suspected to be carrying out Biafra heroes day has attacked military check point in Obikabia junction, Aba, Abia State on the 30th of May and the military vowed to go hard on those behind.
In a statement released on Thursday June 13, 2024, the Nigerian Army said following new intelligence gathered from recent raids in the Ihechiowa community of Arochukwu Local Government Area, the military, in collaboration with other security agencies, launched operations today targeting IPOB/ESN camps located in the Umudi Forest and Umuaku areas of Umunneochi Local Government Area.
The operations began with an offensive against the first terrorist camp. The troops encountered resistance but were able to neutralize two terrorists during the ensuing firefight. Overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the military, the remaining terrorists fled. The troops then destroyed the camp, ensuring it could no longer serve as a base of operations for the insurgents.
Further into the mission, troops discovered and destroyed a shrine, a critical component of the insurgents’ spiritual fortifications, along with another camp. The destruction of these sites represents a significant blow to the operational capabilities and morale of the IPOB/ESN members in the region.
Listing the items recovered from the raid the NA said, the troops recovered a considerable cache of items from the raided sites, underscoring the extent of the insurgents’ entrenchment.
The recovered items include one AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing 79 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 15 pump-action cartridges, three Baofeng radios, and two daggers. Additional items included five strike face plates, 16 phones, five solar panel chargers, four power banks, a pair of desert boots, two Nigeria Police black belts, and one camp gas.
In addition to weaponry and tactical gear, troops found a sum of two thousand Naira (N2,000), one ATM card, two voter’s cards, one national ID card, and one National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) card. Personal items such as four wristwatches, a pair of knee guards, six bags, five phone batteries, one torchlight, a nylon bag containing Cannabis Sativa, one umbrella, five rings, one ornamental neck chain, three wristbands, one IPOB beret, and a container of drugs were also recovered.
A military spokesperson reiterated the commitment to continue these operations until the threat posed by IPOB/ESN is completely neutralized.
“Our troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, are determined to restore peace and stability in Abia State. The success of these operations is a testament to the hard work and bravery of our personnel,” he said.
The collaboration between the military and other security agencies has been crucial in gathering actionable intelligence and executing these operations effectively.
The raids not only aim to dismantle the physical infrastructure of the insurgents but also to disrupt their logistics and supply chains, making it increasingly difficult for them to regroup and launch attacks.
The Nigerian Army has called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. They also urged community leaders to support the ongoing efforts by cooperating with security forces and providing information that could lead to further successes.
“This operation marks a significant step in the ongoing effort to dismantle the operational capabilities of IPOB/ESN in the region. The security forces remain committed to restoring peace and order in Abia State and ensuring the safety of residents” , the statement read.
