Troops clears IPOB/ESN operational camp in Imo borders, Anambra

The Nigerian Army has revealed that troops of the 82 Division have carried out clearance operations along the borders of Imo and Anambra states, southeast Nigeria. the troops were said to have destroyed an operational base and hideout of gunmen suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State.

The Director of Public Affairs of the Nigerian military, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement, highlighted that the notorious gunmen have been carrying out serial attacks on defenseless civilians, security operatives and facilities in the area.

According to Nwachukwu: “During the clearance operations along the border communities, troops were met with stiff resistance from the dissident elements, as they closed in on their enclave.

“They were overwhelmed by troops’ superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their hideout. 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, simcards, monitor and a laptop.

“One operational Hilux vehicle and various voodoo items and charms were also recovered.”

Nwachukwu maintained that investigations revealed that the hideout served as the operational base of one Innocent Obieke (aka Double Lion). He identified Innocent Obieke as the head of the vigilante group in the area, but who secretly participates in the criminal activities of IPOB/ESN. He stated that Innocent Obieke is on the run at the moment.