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Troops clear 4 IPOB/ESN camps, recover fresh, old corpses in Imo

Published

3 years ago

October 2, 2023

Nigerian Military Troops

Troops clear 4 IPOB/ESN camps, recover fresh, old corpses in Imo

Troops of the Joint Task Force, South-East, code-named Operation UDO KA II, has cleared four notorious camps of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliates, Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Imo State.

The troops, in the course of the clearance, neutralised two IPOB/ESN members and four of the criminals were arrested.

This is contained in a statement issued on Monday in Enugu by Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, for the Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA II.

Unuakhalu said that the camps cleared are located in three communities – Ihube, Aku and Umulolo – in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.

He said that the clearance and recovery was carried out on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023.

The army spokesman said that during the clearance operation, troops encountered many Improvised Explosive Device (IEDs) deployed enroute to the camps.

According to him, however, due to superior firepower, the irredentist group members fled into neighbouring forests with gunshot wounds.

“It was discovered that the camps were being used to perpetuate atrocities such as cannibalism, occultic practices and ritual killings to instill fears into law-abiding citizens.

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“These were evident from many fresh and old corpses discovered while clearing the entire camps.

“Also, the houses of the two spiritual leaders and herbalists that took to their heels were destroyed.

“Furthermore, the shrine of the wanted terrorist, Amobi Chinoso Okafor, alias Temple, where human sacrifices are being made was destroyed,” he said.

Unuakhalu said that the items recovered from the camps included different denomination of the Biafra currencies, one new power bike, four motorcycles and solar panels.

Others items recovered are POP cements and a petroleum tanker suspected to have been hijacked from hard working Igbo owners (indigenes) trying to make a living.

“Operation UDO KA II will continue combating crime and criminality in accordance with the extant rules and regulations guiding its operations.

“All law-abiding and good citizens of the South-East are enjoined to act against these devilish terrorists by providing timely, credible and reliable information which will lead to ending the menace of insecurity occasioned by activities of the terrorist group in the region.

“Do not be a victim of this sacrilegious. These criminals are desecrating Igboland,” he said.

Troops clear 4 IPOB/ESN camps, recover fresh, old corpses in Imo

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Couple Jailed 15 Years for Selling Infant, Toddler in Calabar

Published

38 minutes ago

April 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Couple Jailed 15 Years for Selling Infant, Toddler in Calabar

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Cross River State Command, has secured convictions against a husband and wife for selling their children for monetary gain in Calabar. The couple, Esther Ini Udo (32) and Eyo Stephen Udo (34), were sentenced to 15 years in prison each and fined ₦2 million, following a four-count charge for child trafficking and exploitation.

The Federal High Court, Calabar heard that Esther sold her newborn baby to a trafficker, Oluchi Judith (at large), for ₦300,000, while the couple also bought a one-year-old baby from accomplices, Blessing and Uduak, for ₦150,000 and resold the child to the same trafficker for ₦400,000. The court strongly condemned the actions, describing them as a gross violation of child rights and anti-trafficking laws.

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Both defendants initially pleaded not guilty, but the court found them guilty on all counts. Justice I. Ojukwu, presiding over the case (Suit No: FHC/CA/19C/2025), sentenced Esther and Eyo Stephen to 15-year jail terms, to run concurrently from April 1, 2026, the date of judgment.

The court also directed NAPTIP to arrest Oluchi Judith, who is wanted in connection with this and other human trafficking cases. Authorities emphasize that child trafficking remains a serious offense in Nigeria, with law enforcement intensifying efforts to dismantle networks involved in the sale and exploitation of infants and toddlers.

NAPTIP hailed the convictions as a significant victory against human trafficking, urging communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving children. Officials stressed that such harsh sentences serve as a deterrent to traffickers and perpetrators of child exploitation across the country.

Couple Jailed 15 Years for Selling Infant, Toddler in Calabar

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IGP Orders Massive Security Deployment in Plateau After Deadly Jos Killings

Published

45 minutes ago

April 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu

IGP Orders Massive Security Deployment in Plateau After Deadly Jos Killings

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu has ordered a large-scale deployment of security personnel to Plateau State following deadly attacks in Jos North Local Government Area, where gunmen killed multiple residents in Angwan Rukuba over the weekend.

In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, the IGP condemned the attacks, describing them as tragic and unacceptable. He extended condolences to the Plateau State Government, victims’ families, and residents, and stressed the urgent need to restore peace in the affected areas.

As part of the response, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Umar Shehu Nadada, was deployed to Plateau State to coordinate security efforts and assess the situation firsthand. The IGP also directed all operational commanders to ensure visible policing and actively engage with vulnerable communities.

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The deployment includes Police Mobile Force units, tactical teams, and intelligence operatives, working alongside other security agencies to restore order, prevent further violence, and apprehend perpetrators. Authorities have warned residents to remain calm, cooperate with security personnel, and report suspicious activities, discouraging any vigilante actions.

Following the attacks, the Plateau State Government imposed a 48-hour curfew in parts of Jos North to contain unrest and enable security operations. Although partially relaxed to daytime hours, tensions remain as authorities continue to monitor the situation.

President Bola Tinubu postponed a scheduled trip to Ogun State to visit Jos, offering condolences and emphasizing the federal government’s commitment to supporting security measures. Meanwhile, the Senate has directed the IGP to conduct a thorough investigation, stressing the importance of justice and stability in the state.

Efforts to identify and arrest the attackers are ongoing, with law enforcement initiating a manhunt for suspects and making arrests in connection with the killings. Security agencies continue to work to restore calm and ensure the safety of Plateau residents.

IGP Orders Massive Security Deployment in Plateau After Deadly Jos Killings

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Ohanaeze Ndigbo Disowns ‘Igwe Ndigbo’ Installation in South Africa

Published

50 minutes ago

April 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Disowns ‘Igwe Ndigbo’ Installation in South Africa

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has rejected the controversial installation of an “Igwe Ndigbo na East London” in East London, South Africa, stating that the title is not recognised and lacks legal backing. The apex Igbo socio-cultural group clarified that the purported installation “only amounts to a mere nominal observance” and has no legitimacy under Igbo traditions or laws.

The organisation’s National Publicity Secretary, Ezechi Chukwu, expressed concern over reports of violence and unrest triggered by the coronation. He condemned attacks on innocent persons and the destruction of property, urging South African authorities to take swift action to restore law and order. “We express deep concern over the resulting disturbances, condemn the unwarranted attacks on innocent persons and destruction of property and call on relevant authorities to take necessary steps to prevent further escalation,” the statement read.

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The unrest in East London escalated after protests against the alleged coronation, with demonstrators reportedly torching vehicles and looting shops owned by foreign nationals. Video footage circulating on social media showed several vehicles and buildings allegedly belonging to foreigners set ablaze, prompting increased security measures to restore calm.

Ohanaeze stressed that the Igbo are globally known for their peaceful disposition, enterprise, and respect for host country laws. The organisation dissociated itself from any actions that contravene local customs or disrupt public peace. It further noted that, consistent with the position of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, the conferment of the “Eze Ndigbo” title outside Igboland is not recognised.

The group advised Igbo communities in the diaspora to adopt non-kingship titles like “Onyendu” for internal coordination to prevent misrepresentation and misunderstanding. Ohanaeze also appealed to all parties involved to exercise calm, mutual respect, and constructive engagement while urging the South African government and citizens to uphold peaceful coexistence.

The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa has also clarified that the gathering was intended as a cultural event to promote Igbo heritage, not an official coronation, and warned Nigerians in South Africa to be cautious, respect local laws, and avoid public unrest.