The Nigerian Army has conducted a raid on a training camp of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) located in the Ihechiowa community of Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State.
The operation conducted in conjunction with a Task Force Tactical Patrol Squad on Wednesday witnessed the infiltration and dismantling of the camp, destroying all training apparatus and facilities found on-site.
The troops, on the heels of credible intelligence, were said to have targeted buildings used as hideouts for key ESN Commanders.
The Nigerian Army said, “The raid operation was sequel to heightening terrorists’ activities of IPOB/ESN, targeting law-abiding citizens and government agencies in Abia State and other parts of Southeastern Nigeria.
“Further updates on the operation will be communicated as the troops continue with the operations.”
Briefing the press on Thursday, concerning the activities of the military in the state, the defence headquarters said following the killings of five personnel in Abia several arrests were made from the raids with those found to be culpable still in detention.
“Surely, there is intelligence value to the raids and arrests that were made. Those in detention are assisting troops to locate other camps, sleeper cells and high-profile individuals involved in the activities of the terrorist group,” the military high command said.
Also on June 12, Operatives of the Special Military Task Force, under Operation Safe Haven in Plateau State raided some enclaves occupied by bandits in Pandam forest in the QUA’AN PAN Government Area of the state.
During the raid, troops discovered a fresh dugout in the forest close to the terrorist’s camp which was also abandoned.
The troops further cordoned off the area and discovered hidden two AK47 rifles, two AK-47 magazines and 13 rounds of 7.62 MM Special.
In a separate operation, troops of the Nigerian Army in conjunction with other security agencies cleared bandits and criminals’ hideouts around Irele, Igbobini and Segbemi Kiribo in the general area of Ese – Odo forest in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo state.
During the clearance operations, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 rifle magazine, five locally fabricated single barrel guns, and one locally made pistol.
Other items recovered from the bandits include 18 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition and 24 live Cartridges.