Troops Arrest 2 IPOB/ESN Members, Recover Rocket Propelled Launcher

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) South-East Operation UDO KA II, on Thursday, arrested two Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) members and recovered a locally-made Rocket Propelled Launcher (Ogbunigwe) and improvise explosive device (IED)-making materials, among others.

A statement by Lt Col. Jonah Unuakhalu said success followed the conduct of clearance operation by troops along Ihioma-Ihittenansa in Orsu local government area and Okigwe-Umulolo in Okigwe local government area of Imo State, respectively.

The statement noted that the clearance operations were aimed at identifying and destroying possible camps of the fleeing IPOB/ESN terrorists, killing and maiming as well as extorting innocent citizens of the South-East region in the name of agitation.

He said troops during the simultaneous clearance operations at Umulolo, one of the troops’ vehicles was hit by an IED, adding, however, that no causality was recorded.

He added that the troops also came in contact with the terrorists, who fled into the nearby bushes with gunshot wounds due to superior firepower.

The troops arrested two suspects and recovered two locally made guns, ammunition, one PKT machine gun barrel, one big locally made Rocket Propelled Launcher (Ogbunigwe) and IED-making materials.

Other items include three CCTV cameras, two Laptops and a charger, eight mobile phones, three boots, camouflage short, two motorcycles, and a beret.

The statement added that the troops destroyed three shrines used by the terrorists for fortification.

Also, the troops conducted clearance operations/fighting patrols along Ihioma-Ihittenaansa in Orsu LGA.

He said the troops encountered IEDs, made contact and engaged some IPOB/ESN terrorists around Eketutu Market who fled into the adjourning forests of Lilu and Mother Valleys with gunshot wounds on motorcycles.

The troops also recovered two CCTV cameras carefully concealed at the highest point in the area and some IED making materials.

He added that the troops successfully cleared the terrorists from the Eketutu market.

He reiterated that troops will continue combating ritual killings, cannibalism, kidnapping for ransom and extortion of hardworking and law-abiding citizens.

“These terrorists, mostly the condemned criminals that escaped from Owerri jailbreaks are low lives that are being used by a criminal abroad to unleash mayhem on all of us. All Ndigbos should join hands to ensure these terrorists do not determine how we live our lives. Law abiding and good citizens of the South-East region are enjoined to provide timely, credible and reliable information to end the insecurity in the region (Alaigbo),” Lt. Col. Unuakhalu stated.