Troops of Nigerian Army have dismantled identified strongholds of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Ogbaru LGA of Anambra State.
Gatekeepers News reports that the operation was carried out on Saturday by troops of the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with the Army’s maritime component, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Anambra vigilante group.
According to the Army, the troops launched a dawn offensive on the group’s identified positions in Obene and Abator villages, within Ochuche and Umunankwo communities.
The military said the suspected IPOB/ESN elements opened fire when they sighted the advancing troops but later abandoned their positions and fled into the surrounding terrain.
Troops reportedly pursued the fleeing elements, during which one suspected member was neutralised. The Army also said blood stains found along the withdrawal route suggested that some of the fleeing fighters sustained gunshot wounds.
During the operation, troops recovered two pump-action rifles, two motorcycles, materials suspected to be used in the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), as well as other items.
The Army described the seizure of the IED-making materials as a significant operational gain, saying it would weaken the group’s ability to manufacture explosive devices for attacks against security personnel, critical infrastructure and civilians.
Following the raid, troops consolidated their positions and intensified searches around the area to track fleeing members and prevent them from establishing new bases.
The Army said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts under Operation UDO KA to sustain pressure on what it described as terrorist and criminal networks operating across the South-East.
It added that security forces would continue operations aimed at denying such groups safe havens and creating a safer environment for residents across the region.
