Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Troops of 82 Division Nigerian Army and the Joint Task Force South-East, code-named “Operation UDO KA” said they have smashed camps of Indigenous People of Biafra and its Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) armed wing within South-East.
The troops within days neutralised four IPOB/ESN armed men, rescued 14 people and checked crude oil bunkering within South-East.
This is contained in a statement issued by Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, Acting Deputy Director, 82 Division Army Public Relations, Wednesday, in Enugu.
Unuakhalu said that troops of 82 Division Nigerian Army and Operation UDO KA had continued to sustain its offensive against the IPOB/ESN criminals across the South-East.
He noted that in series of well-executed operations, troops had successfully repelled and raided the irredentist hideouts as well as clamped down on the activities of illegal oil bunkers within its joint Operation Area.
According to him, early hours of Tuesday, Oct. 22, troops of Sector 5 of Operation UDO KA deployed at Forward Operational Base (FOB) Aguata with other security agencies while on routine patrol within Igbo Ukwu and Uga axis of Aguata council area of Anambra came in contact with members of IPOB/ESN.
“During the fire fight, troops’ superior firepower forced the criminals to flee in disarray. During the encounter, one IPOB/ESN member was neutralised, two black coloured Lexus Jeeps with no registration number and one pump action gun with three cartridges were recovered.
“On Monday, Oct. 21, troops deployed at FOB Lilu also came in contact with the terrorist group after detonating the Improvise Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted along the supply route.
“The troops successfully neutralised two of the terrorists, recovered one pump action short gun, one solar CCTV camera, three large pipe-Borne IED, seven IEDs and eight batteries,” he said.
Unuakhalu said that similarly, troops of the Joint Task Force on Wednesday, Oct. 9, stormed an IPOB/ESN hideout in the Enugwu Umuonyia community in Aguata council area of Anambra.
He said that overwhelmed in the ensuing firefight, the terrorists fled, leaving behind a cache of arms and logistics.
“The troops swiftly searched and destroyed the hideouts, recovering 78 rounds of 7.62mm and 39mm ammunition, 13 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 20 live cartridges, a pump-action gun, a locally fabricated pistol, an AK-56 magazine and six vehicles found within the camp.
“The stolen vehicles were those stolen from well-meaning Igbos of the region by the criminal elements,” he said.
The spokesman noted that in the same vein, on Oct. 10; troops of 82 Division carried out an ambush operation in Lilu community in Anambra to deter the irredentist freedom of action.
He said that during the ambush troops neutralised one IPOB/ESN member and recovered one handheld radio, four improvised grenade, one encased IED and one solar powered CCTV.
“Also, troops deployed at FOB Aguata on Oct. 11 repelled IPOB/ESN attack neutralising one IPOB/ESN member and recovered the following items; two AK 47 rifles, one Pump action gun, quantity 60 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 15 Cartridges and one Prado Jeep.
“In another encounter with IPOB/ESN in Ohafia LGA of Abia State and Umu-Abor Lilu in Anambra State respectively, the troops recovered; one CCTV Camera with Solar panel, one water gel IED, six empty cartridges, six live cartridges, 13 empty cases of 7.62mm ammunition, two batteries, four IED pipes and one radio set.
“Despite the deceit of liberation of the people, the IPOB/ESN criminals have continued to kidnap innocent South Easterners for ransom, disposition of their valuables especially SUVs and exploitation,” he said.
He noted that the JTF Operation UDO KA had also conducted many rescue operations, adding that on Sunday, Oct. 6, troops of Operation UDO KA successfully rescued an expatriate and three staff of DATUM Construction Company.
He said, “Also on Thursday, Oct. 10, 10 sports journalists who were earlier kidnapped on their way to Uyo were rescued.
“During the rescue operation, troops arrested one suspected kidnapper and recovered three SUV jeeps.
“The rescue operations were conducted in Ajalli-Ugbuntra, Orumba South LGA, Ebonyi State , Aguleri/Amarulu village, Ihiala in Anambra State and Orlu LGA Imo State as well as Umuahia North LGA in Abia State respectively.”
In a related development, troops in continuation of its anti-bunkering operations, on Oct. 15 conducted anti-bunkering operation and destroyed five illegal oil refinery sites.
Unuakhalu noted that other items destroyed include: 15 distilling pots, 19 iron pipes, two pumping machines, two wheelbarrows, five torch lights, four valves, one generating set and one storage tank.
He said that the gallant troops also arrested five suspected illegal bunkrers and as well set ablaze 75,000 litres of stolen crude oil instantly.
The spokesperson noted that the various operations were conducted around Owaza, Isimiri in Ukwa West and East council areas of Abia and Umuayata farm land Akiri axis of Oguta council area in Imo State.
“The Division and the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA commends the unwavering support and vigilance of law-abiding citizens.
“These operations demonstrate troops’ commitment to effectively degrade and destroy the capabilities of irredentists and their collaborators.
“The Joint Task Force wishes to enjoined members of the general public to continue supporting its operations by providing timely reliable and credible information that will help in curbing the menace bedeviling the South-East through its toll-free number 193 and pressing Option 2.
“The Division remains resolute in its mission to secure and protect the entire South-East States and the good people of the region are therefore enjoined to go about their legitimate businesses without fear of intimidation,” he added.
