The Nigerian Army says troops of 82 Division have dislodged the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network, from their hideout in Anambra State.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, revealed this development in a statement.
He said the clearance operation took place on Monday at Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.
Nwachukwu said the notorious groups had serially launched attacks on defenceless civilians and security targets from the hideout.
He said troops were met with stiff resistance from the dissident elements as they closed in on their enclave during the operations along Imo-Anambra border communities.
READ ALSO:
According to him, the criminals were overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their hideout.
He said: “After over running their camp, the gallant troops carried out further exploitation and recovered a cache of arms, comprising 22 Pump Action rifles, 19 Dane guns and 6 machetes.
“Other items recovered include assorted mobile phones, sim cards, monitor and a laptop.
”One operational Hilux vehicle and various voodoo items and charms were also recovered.”
Nwachukwu said that investigations had revealed that the hideout served as the operational base of one Innocent Obieke, aka Double Lion.
He said Obieke was said to be the head of the vigilante group in the area, but surreptitiously coordinated the criminal activities of IPOB/ESN in the area.
According to him, the suspect is currently on the run, while troops have intensified operations to close in on him and his cohorts.
“Members of the general public are please enjoined to continue to support troops and other security agencies with credible and timely information that will lead to the arrest of criminal elements in their vicinity,” he said.
Bandits kill nine civilian JTF members, kidnap three in Sokoto At least nine Civilian Joint Task Force…
Yahaya Bello govt spending third term in office through Ododo – Clark Elder statesman, Chief…
IPOB declares sit-at-home May 30 to honour Biafra heroes The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has…
‘Unfounded accusation’ - Obi slams Umahi over instigation of Igbo against Tinubu claim Labour Party presidential candidate…
Court sends tenant to prison for setting landlord’s house on fire One Dickson Peter has been remanded…
Alleged mastermind of Abuja-Kaduna train attack, Moniker Mandi, arrested Police have arrested the alleged mastermind of…