Security Forces Destroy IPOB Stronghold In Anambra

Combined troops of Joint Task Force (JTF) South East (SE) Operation UDO KA (OPUK), have destroyed Indigenous People of Biafra/ Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) stronghold known as Mother Valley, at Nkwere, Anambra State.

The team comprising the Nigerian Army, police and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), on Thursday launched an assault into the long standing terrorist enclave.

A statement by the Nigerian Army on its official social media handle said the troops advancing relentlessly for over three hours through difficult and restricted terrain demonstrated exceptional courage, discipline and professionalism to penetrate and dominate the valley despite fierce resistance.

According to the statement, the terrorists during the intense engagement,employed locally made hand-held IEDs and heavy gunfire in a desperate attempt to halt the advance.

However, the undeterred troops decisively overwhelmed the hostile elements, killing one IPOB member while several others fled with gunshot wounds.

The troops shattered the terrorists’ defensive positions and recovered a significant cache of weapons and logistics.

Items recovered include; two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated gun, one tear gas gun, seven gas cylinders, an electric kettle, and flags linked to extremist propaganda.

“Troops also destroyed all life-support structures at the terrorists’ Supreme Headquarters in the valley, including solar panels and a Mikano generator, dealing a critical blow to their operational sustainability,” it said.

In a related operation, troops arrested two suspected IPOB members “one while attempting to emplace an IED and the other identified as a spy monitoring troop movements,”.

Items recovered during the operation include; one KIA saloon car and one black Toyota Sequoia jeep from a terrorist car park within the valley.

The statement added that suspects are currently in custody for profiling and further investigation, while troops continue aggressive clearance operations to deny the criminals any freedom of action.

“This decisive operation sends a clear and unmistakable warning to all criminal elements: there will be no hiding place, no sanctuary and no escape,” the statement added.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling all terrorist networks across the South East and the entire nation.

The Army further urged law-abiding citizens of sustained security presence and protection.

The Army also warned criminals to expect swift, overwhelming and lawful force wherever they attempt to threaten peace and stability.