A statement form the Headquarters of the Nigerian Army says troops of 82 Division Nigerian Army, NA, conducting clearance operations along Anambra/Imo States border communities today, Monday, March 28, 2022 dislodged a hideout used by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and its armed affiliate; Eastern Security Network, ESN, in Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The Spokesperson for the Army, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu says the groups have serially launched attacks on defenceless civilians and security targets from the hideout.
According to him, during the clearance operations along the border communities, troops were met with stiff resistance from the dissident elements, as they closed in on their enclave. He however said they were overwhelmed by troops’ superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their hideout.
Another operations, according to him led to the recovery of a cache of arms, comprising 22 Pump Action rifles, 19 Dane guns and six machetes.
Other items recovered include assorted mobile phones, SIM cards, monitor and a laptop.
One operational Hilux vehicle and various voodoo items and charms were also recovered.
Further Investigations revealed that the hideout served as the operational base of one Innocent Obieke (aka Double Lion), who is said to be the head of the vigilante group in the area, but surreptitiously coordinates the criminal activities of IPOB/ESN in the area.
The suspect is currently on the run, while troops have intensified operations to close in on him and his cohort.
