Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
No fewer than four suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, were Sunday, killed by troops in a forest at Umuaku Isuochi, Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, according the Nigeria Army.
The Army said it also arrested some suspected members of the Eastern Security Network, ESN, during a raid in some of their camps in Abia and Imo State respectively.
This was contained in a statement by Lt. Col. Jonah Unuakhalu.
The statement issued Monday night, said some arms including bullets and vehicles were recovered by members of the Joint Task Force during the raids.
The statement which solicited the cooperation of the members of the public, said Operation Udoka was aimed at getting the state rid of criminal elements.
It read: “The Army has continued to intensify its operations in the South-East region. At the early hours of today (Monday ), 25 November 2024, troops conducted a clearance operations along Imo River in Isiala-Ngwa North of Abia State. During the operations, troops came in contact with the terrorists group who fled in disarray and abandoned their Camp due to superior fire power.
“Troops exploited the camp and recovered a Toyota Hilux, three motorcycles, a dane gun, one sword, three pairs of Nigeria Police camouflage uniform, one fragmental jacket, and radio chargers. Other items include two six kilogram of gas cylinder, three registered plate numbers, three ATM cards, driver’s license and food stuff, while the camp was destroyed immediately.
“In the same vein, yesterday (Sunday ) 24 November 2024, troops neutralised four members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and it armed affiliate the Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) during a clearance operations in Umudi and Imuezeosuru Forest in Umuaku of Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.
“Troops acting on credible information carried out the operations in the suspected area and neutralised 4 members of IPOB/ESN while others escaped with gunshot wounds. Items recovered from the camp include one motorcycle, sixteen live cartridges, twenty-nine rounds of 5.7mm ammunition with the magazine, one fragmental jacket, two metal plates for fragmental fragmental jackets, two long range shells, and two Boafeng radios. Others are one jack knife, two machetes, two pairs of Nigeria Police uniforms, Police identity cards, torch light, shovel, ATM cards, three mobile phones and two notebooks containing their minute of meeting. The camp was subsequently razed down.
“On the same day, troops also conducted clearance operations within Ekeututu, Ihiteukwa, Edenta, Awo-Idemili and Isseke communities in Orsumoghu Local Government Area of Imo State and Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State respectively.
“During the operation, troops came across multiple road blocks and obstacles emplaced by the irredentists to deter troops’ movement. However, the gallant troops were able to clear route of the obstacles and Improvised Explosive Devices that were destroyed immediately.
“The troops also came in contact and neutralised two member of the irredentist group while two female suspects were arrested. An IED production factory was also discovered with different IED making equipment. The IED Items recovered are three filing machines, one chainsaw, thirteen IED tubes and one sack containing gun powder.
“Other items include, one IPOB patrol Hilux, one Toyota 4Runner Jeep belonging to the Eze of Awo-Idemili, two generator sets, one PKT chain with 10 rounds of ammunition and one locally made pistol.
“Similarly, on the 21 November 2024, troops conducted a clearance operations along Ekeututu, Ihitenansa, Amaruru, Assah Ubirielem, Ihioma, Umuhu-Ikabia, Amanachi, Amanukwo and Awo-Idemili communities in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State. During the operations, troops recovered ten gas cylinders used for making IEDs and four motorcycles with 2 IPOB/ESN members neutralised.
“Also, on 23 November 2024, troops deployed at Nkwerre Local Government Area of Imo State arrested one suspected member of the irredentists group one Mr Nwosu Okwudiri aged 58 years at Nkworji of the same Local Government Area. Items recovered during the arrest include one Pump action rifle, one Dane gun, seven live cartridges, one empty case and Biafran currencies.
“The Force Commander Joint Task Force Major General Hassan Dada is calling on all well-meaning citizens to embrace peace and dialogue as a tool of maintaining peace and stability in the South-East region.
“Remember, security is everybody’s business. It’s not in the hands of security agencies alone. When you see something say something by calling the operation toll free line 193 and press Option 2 to speak directly to Headquarters Operation UDO KA.
“The Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA will continue to carry out all its assigned tasks in line with the laid down rules and regulations guiding its operations and in tandem with global best practices. When you see something, say something.”
