As part of efforts in ongoing operations to deter enforcement of the illegal sit at home declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN), combined troops of 82 Division Nigerian Army in conjunction with other security agencies have successfully raided hideouts and training camps of the IPOB/ESN in Orsomoghu Forest spanning Anambra and Imo States.
A signed statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu made available to newsmen in Abuja indicates that the raid operation was carried out when troops were alerted to the violent activities of the irredentist group enforcing the illegal 2 weeks sit-at-home order in Onitsha, Nnewi and Iheme Obosi in Anambra State, as well as New Market in Enugu state on Monday 31st July, 2023.
According to Gen. Nwachukwu during the raid operations, the troops cleared IPOB camps in Ekeututu, Orsomoghu, Lilu and Mother Valley camps of the dissidents.
He disclosed that the troops came in contact with the group’s armed fighters, who detonated Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) also known as Ogbunigwe and fired using locally fabricated mortar tube, however the valiant troops overpowered the irredentist group in the firefight, compelling them to abandon their position as they fled with gunshot wounds into nearby bushes.
He stated that further cordon and search of the hideouts by the troops, led to the arrest of five fleeing members of the group and recovery of one IPOB flag, one CCTV camera and 2 detonated IED bombs and a fabricated mortar tube.
Sadly, the Army Spokesman noted that five soldiers and two Nigeria Police operatives sustained varying degrees of injuries from the IED detonated by the criminals.
He further urged all law abiding citizens of the South East to continue to support ongoing operations with actionable information and to disregard the unlawful 2 weeks sit-at-home order by going about their normal daily activities and businesses.
Gen. Nwachukwu however assured that the Nigerian Army in synergy with sister services and security agencies will undauntedly continue to protect and safeguard lives and property of the good and enterprising people of South East Nigeria, within the ambit of the law and the rules of engagement.
