Troops Destroy IED Factory, Neutralise Kidnapper In Imo

The Nigerian Army has carried out clearance operations in several camps allegedly associated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.

The operations, according to Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, Acting Deputy Director of 82 Division Army Public Relations,in a statement on Thursday targeted areas along Umulolo-Umukele-Amousu and Agbobu.

Unuakhalu said that the raids were a joint effort involving troops from the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

During the operations, the army discovered the burnt corpses of policemen and their rank badges, among other shocking findings, the statement said, adding the two policemen were kidnapped along Enugu-Port Harcourt road

It added that the troops encountered several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) but managed to destroy the hideouts of the alleged terrorists.

Furthermore, the statement said buildings used by the alleged terrorists were cordoned off and searched, revealing signs of terrorist activities, occult practices, and acts of cannibalism.

According to Unuakhalu, an IED-making factory was destroyed, and items such as Biafra currencies, fake US Dollar bills, Biafran Liberation Army T-shirts, and other Biafran insignia were recovered.

Other items found include military kit bags, cables used for IED detonation, axes, and two suspects were arrested.

The statement read, “The troops also destroyed the IED-making factory of the terrorist.

“The troops recovered rank badges of two policemen that were kidnapped along Enugu-Port Harcourt Road.

“Other items discovered include Biafra currencies, fake US Dollar bills, Biafran Liberation Army T-shirts, and other Biafran insignia.

“Military kit bags, cables used for IED detonation and axes.

“Two suspects were arrested and also burnt policemen corpses were discovered for proper burial.”

In a related incident in Owerri metropolis, Imo State, troops on night patrol foiled a kidnapping attempt by suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists.

A gun duel ensued, leading to the criminals abandoning their victim. Weapons such as an AK-47 rifle and a G-3 rifle with mounted magazines, and the vehicle used by the terrorists, were recovered.

Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, visited Eha-Amufu community in Isi-Uzo LGA of Enugu State on January 24, 2024.

He addressed the community, urging cooperation with the military to end insecurity in the region and assured them of his commitment to resolving the herders and farmers clash and youth restiveness. He also met with other security agencies to reinforce ongoing collaborative efforts.

The GOC appreciated the cooperation of various security agencies and encouraged the public to support the military by providing timely, reliable, and credible information through the Emergency Line ‘193’ by pressing 2. The Nigerian Army remains committed to protecting lives and property in the South-East as it carries out its constitutional roles.