From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Army Headquarters in Abuja said its soldiers on internal security operations in the South East have uncovered and raided a camp belonging to members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The camp located at Amagu village, Nkalaha community in Ishielu Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebonyi State were uncovered by soldiers of 82 Division, in conjunction with the Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police and Department of State Services, during a joint operation codenamed Exercise Golden Dawn, in the area. Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, who made the disclosure in a statement, said the soldiers killed some IPOB members, recovered some Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), weapons and other logistics, while others took to their heels.
Nwachukwu’s statement reads: “Troops of 82 Division, in conjunction with the Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police and Department of State Services on Exercise GOLDEN DAWN II, on Monday, December 19, 2022 conducted joint raid operations at an IPOB/ESN Camp, located at Amagu village, Nkalaha community, Ishielu LGA of Ebonyi State.
“During the raid operations, the troops came in contact with members of the dissident group, resulting in exchange of fire. In the encounter, the gallant troops neutralised some of the irredentists, while others took to their heels, abandoning the camp.
“On winning the fire fight, troops recovered 102 rounds of 7.62mm special, two pump action guns, five locally made rifles, one roll of detonator 27, quantity 24 detonators, 33 electrical cables, quantity 12 of type 36 hand grenades and 12 bags of substances suspected to be marijuana. Other items recovered include, three motorcycles, two generators, one water pumping machine, military woodland camouflage and Nigeria Police uniform.
“In a separate operation on the same date, troops on routine patrol in Agubeji community in Enugu State have arrested a suspect, one Mr Martins Abogwu, for conniving with IPOB/ESN elements to unleash attacks on innocent citizens. The suspect, who claimed to be the Chief Security Officer of the community, is assisting in the preliminary investigations that followed and has led troops to their camp, where a shallow grave containing two decomposing bodies were uncovered. One of the bodies has been identified as a member of the local vigilance group, who was kidnapped about a month ago.
“The Nigerian Army reassures law abiding citizens of its unwavering resolve, in synergy with other services and security agencies, to deny criminal elements the freedom of action and progressively rid the nation of identified threats to national security by executing its constitutional responsibilities, in conformity with extant rules of engagement.
The Nigerian Army also encourages members of the public to work harmoniously with the security agencies to collectively make the South East and the entire nation secured and peaceful.”