Troops intensify raids on IPOB camps, arresting fighters
Security forces in Nigeria have intensified their efforts to counter the activities of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), leading to significant disruptions in the group’s operations.
Last weekend, troops from the Nigerian Army and State Security Services (SSS) successfully dismantled an enclave belonging to the IPOB and its militant wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Asaba, Delta State.
The encounter resulted in the capture of one fighter and the recovery of several weapons, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action rifles, and ammunition.
“The troops captured one of the fleeing fighters and recovered five AK 47 rifles, three pump action semi-automatic rifles, one G3 rifle and one single barrel gun,” said the Director, Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu.
“Other items recovered include live cartridges, electric saw, machetes, an axe and IPOB flag. The troops have destroyed the enclave and are exploiting the forest in pursuit of the fleeing fighters.”
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In subsequent operations, troops from the 302 Regiment, in collaboration with Anambra Vigilante Group, conducted raids on IPOB/ESN camps in Anambra State.
The security forces destroyed multiple camps and arrested eight brigands, dealing another blow to the separatist group.
“The troops raided the identified camps on Sunday 23 July 2023, in an effort to curb the illicit activities of the fighters in the communities,” stated Army spokesperson Onyema Nwachukwu, adding that “eight brigands were arrested during the operations.”
Dazed by these successive assaults, IPOB raised concerns over an alleged plot by Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, to arrest anyone associated with the group in the state.
IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, accused the governor of orchestrating attacks against their members, despite no prior issues between them.
“We are aware of the meeting agenda, and the agreement was to identify, attack, arrest, and possibly kill every IPOB member and anybody seen to be a sympathiser of the Biafra agitation in Ebonyi State,” said IPOB’s Emma Powerful.
Responding to the escalating situation in the Southeast, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Major Gen. Hassan Taiwo Dada, paid a visit to Governor Hope Uzodimma in Imo State.
Major Gen. Dada revealed that he had been directed by higher authorities to quell the insecurity in the region and solicited the governor’s support in accomplishing this mission.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Taoreed Lagbaja has given me a marching order to end insecurity in the Southeast and I hope to do just that,” said Major Gen. Dada.
“I am here therefore, to solicit the governor’s support and everybody’s support to improve security in Imo State and the Southeast.”
Meanwhile, Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 9, AIG Echeng Echeng, urged the police personnel in Imo State to neutralize any attempts by IPOB/ESN elements to enforce sit-at-home directives.
The police will be employing stringent measures to combat insurgency, terrorism, and other criminal activities within the zone.
“I will continuously ensure that we take the fight to those who do not want peace. There is nothing anybody can do without security,” stated AIG Echeng Echeng.
“The economy of the state will not be affected by a group of miscreants who think they have control.”