A joint operation involving the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, alongside the Nigerian Police and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, successfully dismantles multiple camps belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN), along Umulolo – Umukele – Amousu and Agbobu in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.
In a statement released on Thursday, the military reported that its forces raided and eradicated terrorist hideouts, overcoming numerous Improvised Explosive Devices along the way. The troops also conducted cordons, searches, and dismantled various buildings utilized by the terrorists.
Throughout the search, evidence of terrorist activities, occult practices, and instances of cannibalism within the group were uncovered. Additionally, the troops successfully demolished the terrorist’s Improvised Explosive Device manufacturing facility.
The military personnel successfully retrieved the rank badges of two kidnapped policemen along the Enugu-Port Harcourt road. Among the findings were Biafran currencies, counterfeit US Dollar bills, Biafran Liberation Army T-shirts, and various Biafran insignia. Additionally, military kit bags, cables used for IED detonation, and axes were recovered.
Two individuals were apprehended, and the charred remains of murdered policemen were recovered for proper burial.
Meanwhile, in Owerri Metropolis, troops on a night patrol thwarted a kidnapping attempt by suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists. A gun duel ensued, compelling the criminals to abandon the victim. Security forces seized an AK-47 rifle with a magazine, a G-3 rifle with mounted magazines, and the vehicle used by the terrorists.
In an effort to enhance civil-military relations and promote a peaceful society, Major General Hassan Taiwo Dada, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army, visited the Isiuzo-Amufu community in Enugu State on January 24, 2024, where he addressed the residents at the village square.
During his address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Major General Hassan Taiwo Dada, urged the community to collaborate with and support the military in addressing the security challenges in both the community and the larger region.
He expressed his dedication to resolving issues such as herders and farmers clashes and youth restiveness.
The GOC held discussions with other security agencies in the Local Government Area, emphasizing the importance of sustained collaborative efforts, synergy in information gathering, and sharing with the military to enhance overall security in the community and the broader South East region.
Major General Hassan Taiwo Dada commended the outstanding cooperation of other security agencies, acknowledging their role in the achievements thus far.
He called upon the residents of the South East region to actively contribute by providing timely, reliable, and credible information through the Emergency Line 193 by pressing 2.
General Dada reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to safeguarding lives and property in the South East region while fulfilling its constitutional duties within the framework of the law.