The Nigerian Army says it’s troops of 82 Division has dislodged a criminal hideout used by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate; Eastern Security Network ( ESN) in Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
A signed statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu indicates that the notorious groups have serially launched attacks on defenceless civilians and security targets from the hideout.
He disclosed that the troops who were on clearance operations along the border communities met with stiff resistance from the dissident elements, as they closed in on their enclave, forcing them out of their hideout.
Nwachukwu also noted that after over running the camp, the gallant troops carried out further exploitation and recovered a cache of arms, comprising 22 Pump Action rifles, 19 Dane guns and 6 machetes. Other items recovered include assorted mobile phones, simcards, monitor and a laptop including one operational Hilux vehicle and various voodoo items and charms.
“Investigations revealed that the hideout served as the operational base of one Innocent Obieke (aka Double Lion), who is said to be the head of the vigilante group in the area, but surreptitiously coordinates the criminal activities of IPOB/ESN in the area. The suspect is currently on the run, while troops have intensified operations to close in on him and his cohort” he added.
He further enjoined the general public to continue to support troops and other security agencies with credible and timely information that will lead to the arrest of criminal elements in their vicinity.
