Ajirioghene Imah
…bursts hideouts, recovers artillery guns
Joint troops of 82 Division Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Police have neutralized combatants of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN) in a fierce encounter at Igboro Forest, between Arochukwu and Ohafia Local Government Areas of Abia state.
This was revealed in a statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General, Onyema Nwachukwu.
According to him, the camps were uncovered after several weeks of credible surveillance, revealing that IPOB/ESN were not only using the forest as a combat training ground for their members, but as a base for planning and launching attacks on targeted civilians, security operatives and government facilities in the state.
Nwachukwu noted that several weapons recovered include One improvised 16 Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) Gun mounted on a vehicle, One improvised 12 MBRL Gun, One improvised 6 MBRL Gun, One AK 47 Rifle, One Dane Gun, 6 locally made Rocket Launchers, four Improvised Explosive Devices, five Fragmental Jackets, One Baofeng Radio, Military Camouflage Uniforms and several assorted charms.
In a similar development, the troops in synergy with the Nigerian Police Force, acting on credible intelligence busted IPOB/ESN hideout at Ezioha Mgbowo in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu state.
The armed fighters were perfecting plans to enforce the illegal sit-at-home order in the area, recovering three Pump Action Guns and 10 Machetes from the fleeing fighters.
Nwachukwu however implored members of the public to continue to support the Nigerian Army and other security agencies with credible information to enhance the fight against terrorism insurgency and other criminal activities.