Troops Raid IPOB Camps, Recover Weapons

Nigerian Army troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, have raided identified Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) camps in Umudi Forest and Umuaku areas of Umunneochi local government area.

A statement by the Nigerian Army on its official X handle said troops on Thursday, following intelligence, also conducted offensive operations on identified IPOB/ESN camps in Ihechiowa community of Arochukwu local government in Abia State.

The statement said troops encountered resistance at the first terrorists’ camp, and following a firefight, troops neutralised two terrorists while others fled.

The camp was subsequently destroyed.

The dogged troops proceeded to destroy a shrine and another camp, with several items recovered from the sites.

During the offensives, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing 79 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition,15 Pump-action cartridges, three Baofeng radios, two daggers, five strike face plates, 16 phones, five solar panel chargers, four power banks, a pair of desert boots, two Nigeria Police black belts, one camp gas and a sum of N2,000.

Other items recovered are one ATM card, two voter’s cards, one national ID card, one NURTW card, four wristwatches, a pair of knee guards, six bags, five phone batteries, one torchlight, a nylon bag containing Cannabis Sativa, one umbrella, five rings, one ornamental neck chain, three wristbands, one IPOB beret and a container of drugs.

The statement said the operation marks a significant step in the ongoing effort to dismantle IPOB/ESN’s operational capabilities in the region.

“The security forces remain committed to restoring peace and order in Abia State and ensuring the safety of residents,” it stated.