In a decisive move against separatist activities, the Nigerian military launched a series of operations targeting camps belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). These raids resulted in the seizure of a significant cache of weapons, ammunition, and other items, along with the arrest of two suspected terrorists. The operations, signaling an intensified effort to curb the group’s influence in the Southeast, unfolded across multiple locations in Imo and Enugu states.
- Two suspects arrested in connection with terrorist activities.
- Recovery of firearms, including G3 rifles, pump-action rifles, and locally fabricated pistols.
- Discovery of ammunition, military gear, and other incriminating items.
- Destruction of IPOB/ESN camps and makeshift accommodations.
Security Forces Target IPOB Camps in Southeast Nigeria
Troops of Joint Task Force South-East, code-named “Operation UDO KA,” carried out clearance operations in several IPOB/ESN camps. Acting on credible intelligence, the combined forces stormed a camp at Uhuala-Aku in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State, forcing the insurgents to flee into the surrounding forest.
Recovered Items Include Firearms, Ammunition, and a Human Skull
During the operation, security personnel recovered a variety of weapons, including a G3 rifle, two pump-action rifles, three Dane guns, a locally fabricated pistol, an MG belt, two AK-47 rifle magazines, 12 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, and five rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition. A disturbing discovery was a sack containing a human skull, raising concerns about potential atrocities committed by the group. Other recovered items include a Toyota Hilux vehicle, radio chargers, car keys, and a Boafeng radio. Troops also destroyed 26 makeshift accommodations within the camp.
Two Suspects Arrested, More Weapons Recovered in Ebonyi and Enugu
In a separate operation, troops arrested two suspects believed to be terrorizing Okposi community in Ebonyi State. Two locally fabricated pistols, nine live cartridges, and a motorcycle were recovered from the suspects. Furthermore, a raid on an IPOB/ESN camp at Agu Orba Ekwegbe Community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State led to the recovery of two locally fabricated General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), a single-barrel gun, rifles under construction, revolver pistols, pistol magazines, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Military boots, raincoats, IPOB/ESN flags, and food supplies were also found, suggesting a well-established camp.
Call for Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution
Following the successful operations, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, Force Commander of the task force, appealed to citizens to embrace dialogue as a means of resolving the ongoing conflict and promoting peace and stability in the Southeast region. He emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence and urged all stakeholders to work towards a lasting solution.
Implications of the Raids
These raids signify a significant escalation in the government’s efforts to counter the activities of IPOB and ESN. The recovery of such a large quantity of weapons and ammunition indicates the group’s potential to inflict violence and disrupt peace in the region. The arrests made will likely provide valuable intelligence to security agencies in their ongoing investigations.
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