Troops raid Okigwe, neutralised kidnapper in Owerri

Oluwasegun SanusiJanuary 26, 20241 Mins read526

Army Hilux: file photo

The Nigerian Army has announced an operation to curb the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). The Army made this known in a post on its X page.

The troops comprising the 82 Division Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, alongside the Nigerian Police and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, cleared several terrorist camps in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State, the post noted.

The operation, which targeted camps along Umulolo – Umukele – Amousu and Agbobu, the troops engaged in intense combat despite encountering numerous Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along the route. This led to the destruction of terrorist hideouts, including an IED manufacturing facility.

The Army noted signs of terrorist activities, occult practices, and even acts of cannibalism were uncovered during the operation.

In the post, the Army noted the significant discoveries made by the troops, such as rank badges belonging to two kidnapped policemen. Also, a cache of Biafran currencies, counterfeit US Dollar bills, Biafran Liberation Army apparel, and other paraphernalia associated with the separatist group were seized. Military equipment, cables used for IED detonation, and axes were also confiscated.

In a separate incident in Owerri Metropolis, troops on night patrol foiled a kidnapping attempt by suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists. Engaging the criminals in a fierce gun battle, the troops successfully rescued the victim and seized weaponry, including an AK-47 rifle and a G-3 rifle with mounted magazines, as well as the vehicle used by the perpetrators, the post mentioned.