Troops from the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, in collaboration with the Nigerian Police and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, successfully eradicated multiple camps belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed faction, Eastern Security Network (ESN), situated along Umulolo – Umukele – Amousu and Agbobu in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.
Despite facing various Improvised Explosive Devices on their way, the combined forces stormed and obliterated the terrorists’ hideouts, conducting thorough searches of buildings utilized by the group. During these operations, evidence of terrorist activities, occult rituals, and instances of cannibalism were uncovered. The troops dismantled the terrorist’s Improvised Explosive Device (IED) manufacturing facility and recovered rank badges of two kidnapped policemen along the Enugu-Port Harcourt road.
Among the seized items were Biafran currencies, counterfeit US Dollar bills, Biafran Liberation Army T-shirts, and other related insignia. The troops also confiscated military kit bags, cables used for IED detonation, and axes. Two suspects were apprehended, and the remains of murdered policemen were retrieved for proper burial.
In Owerri Metropolis, during a night patrol, troops thwarted a kidnapping attempt by suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists. Engaging in a gun duel, the troops forced the criminals to abandon their victim. The security forces recovered an AK-47 rifle with a magazine, a G-3 rifle with mounted magazines, and the vehicle used by the terrorists.
To enhance civil-military relations and promote peace, Major General Hassan Taiwo Dada, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army, visited Isiuzo – Amufu community in Enugu State. During his address, he urged the community to collaborate with the military to address insecurity issues, promising commitment to resolving herders and farmers clashes and youth restiveness in the region.
General Dada met with other security agencies in the Local Government Area, encouraging them to maintain the ongoing collaborative efforts in information gathering and sharing for improved security. He expressed gratitude for the support received and urged the South East region’s residents to provide timely, reliable, and credible information through the Emergency Line 193 by pressing 2. General Dada reassured the commitment of the Nigerian Army to protect lives and property in the South East region within the confines of the law.
