Troops of the Nigerian Army have made a significant recovery during clearance operations in suspected hideouts linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Imo State.
Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, issued a statement on Friday, shedding light on these operations carried out by the Joint Task Force South-East Operation, known as ‘Operation UDO KA II.’
These clearance operations occurred simultaneously on Thursday, October 5, 2023, in two council areas: Ihioma-Ihittenansa communities in Orsu Local Government Area and Okigwe-Umulolo communities in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.
These agitators were accused of engaging in acts of violence, including killings, maiming, and extorting innocent citizens in the South-East under the guise of their agitation.
During the operation in Umulolo, one of the military vehicles was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
The most noteworthy discovery of the operation was the retrieval of a locally fabricated rocket propeller known as “Ogbunigwe.” This finding underscores the complexity of the security situation and the need for continued efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Army’s actions in these clearance operations reflect their commitment to addressing security challenges and ensuring the safety of citizens in Imo State and the wider South-East region. The recovery of the “Ogbunigwe” rocket propeller serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security concerns in the area.
He added that no causality was recorded.
The statement partly read, “Troops also came in contact with the terrorists who fled into nearby bushes with gunshot wounds due to superior firepower.
“Two suspects were arrested and items recovered at Umulolo included two locally-made guns, ammunition, one PKT machine gun barrel, one big locally-made rocket propelled launcher (Ogbunigwe), and IED-making materials.
“Others included three CCTV cameras, two laptops and a charger, eight mobile phones, three boots, camouflage shorts, two motorcycles and a beret. Furthermore, three shrines used by the terrorists for fortification were destroyed.”
The army spokesman said that in the clearance operations/fighting patrols along Ihioma -Ihittenansa in Orsu LGA, the troops also encountered IEDs, made close contact, and engaged in gun duels with some IPOB/ESN terrorists around Eketutu Market.
“The terrorists fled into the adjourning forests of Lilu and Mother Valleys with gunshot wounds on motorcycles. Troops also recovered 2 X CCTV cameras carefully concealed at the highest point in the area and some IED-making materials.
“Troops successfully cleared the terrorists from the Eketutu market,” he said.
The army spokesman noted that Operation UDO KA II would continue combating ritual killings, cannibalism, kidnapping for ransom, and extortion of hardworking and law-abiding citizens in the southeast.
“Two suspects were arrested and items recovered at Umulolo included two locally-made guns, ammunition, one PKT machine gun barrel, one big locally-made rocket propelled launcher (Ogbunigwe), and IED-making materials.
“Others included three CCTV cameras, two laptops and a charger, eight mobile phones, three boots, camouflage shorts, two motorcycles and a beret. Furthermore, three shrines used by the terrorists for fortification were destroyed.”
The army spokesman said that in the clearance operations/fighting patrols along Ihioma -Ihittenansa in Orsu LGA, the troops also encountered IEDs, made close contact, and engaged in gun duels with some IPOB/ESN terrorists around Eketutu Market.
“The terrorists fled into the adjourning forests of Lilu and Mother Valleys with gunshot wounds on motorcycles. Troops also recovered 2 X CCTV cameras carefully concealed at the highest point in the area and some IED-making materials.
“Troops successfully cleared the terrorists from the Eketutu market,” he said.
The army spokesman noted that Operation UDO KA II would continue combating ritual killings, cannibalism, kidnapping for ransom, and extortion of hardworking and law-abiding citizens in the southeast.
