Military storm IPOB/ESN camps in Ebonyi, Enugu, recover explosives, arms

The Nigerian military, in joint operations, stormed the camps of the Indigenous peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in some states in the southeast, seizing several military hardware in possession of the separatist agitators.

The Army Director of Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement disclosed that troops of 82 Division, in joint operations with Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police and Department of State Services (DSS) on Exercise GOLDEN DAWN II on Monday 19 December 2022, raided IPOB/ESN Camp located at Amagu village Nkalaha community, Ishielu LGA, Ebonyi State.

According to him, “the troops during the raid operations, came in contact with members of the dissident group , resulting in exchange of fire.

“In the encounter, the gallant troops neutralized some of the irredentists, while others took to their heels abandoning the camp.

“On winning the fire fight, troops recovered 102 rounds of 7.62mm special, 2 Pump Action guns, 5 locally made rifles, 1 roll of Detonator 27, quantity 24 Detonators, 33 electrical cables, quantity 12 of type 36 Hand Grenades and 12 bags of substances suspected to be Marijuana. Other items recovered include, 3 Motorcycles, 2 Generators, 1 Water pumping machine, Military woodland camouflage and Nigeria Police uniform.”

Brig.-Gen Nwachukwu also stated that in a separate operation on the same date, troops on routine patrol in Agubeji community in Enugu State arrested a suspect, one Mr Martins Abogwu, for conniving with IPOB/ESN elements to unleash attacks on innocent citizens.

The Army Public Relations Director said that the suspect, who claimed he is the Chief Security Officer of the community, is assisting in preliminary investigations, and has led troops to their camp, where a shallow grave containing 2 decomposing bodies were uncovered.

Brig-Gen. Nwachukwu said that one of the corpses has been identified as a member of the local vigilante, who was kidnapped about one month ago.

The Nigerian Army reassured law abiding citizens of their resolve, in synergy with other services and security agencies to contain the criminal elements,  and restore security in the nation.