The Nigerian Army says its troops have dislodged members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Anambra.
This is contained in a press release signed by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu and made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Owerri.
Nwachukwu said that the IPOB terrorists were smoked out of their “notorious stronghold” located in Lilu forest, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra on Monday in a joint operation with other security agencies.
Lilu forest is located on the boundary between Imo and Anambra and has been used as an operational base by the proscribed group.
He added that the troops recovered 10 Pump Action shotguns, two locally fabricated guns, one revolver pistol, rounds of 7.62 mm special, live cartridges, machetes, and IPOB flags.
Other items recovered were mobile phones, laptops, as well as many other dangerous weapons.
“The operation was jointly conducted by troops of 82 Division, Nigerian Army, 211 Quick Response Group of the Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police.
“It was a well-coordinated dawn attack on the fortress, where plans were being perfected to violently enforce the illegitimate sit-at-home declaration by the irredentist groups”, he said.
(NAN)
