Troops of Exercise GOLDEN DAWN III have raided camps of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed counterpart, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in the general vicinity of Orsumoghu, Anambra.
In collaboration with personnel from the Nigerian Navy, the Nigeria Police, and local vigilante operatives, the troops successfully accomplished the operation, which also involved the neutralization of an armed member of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and the recovery of a pump-action rifle.
The details were provided in a statement released on Tuesday by Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, the acting Deputy Director of the 82 Division Army Public Relations, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to Unuakhalu, the raid took place on Monday, December 11, 2023, based on timely and credible intelligence regarding the activities of the dissidents and the outlawed group.
“During the operations, the gallant troops cleared and destroyed IPOB/ESN camps. One of the terrorists was naturalised while others escaped with gunshot wounds and one pump action rifle was recovered,” he said.
Similarly, on December 9, troops patrolling the Orsumoghu-Ukpor Road in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra encountered members of the irredentist group.
“However, due to superior fire power, the criminals were forced to abandon their location.”
“Items recovered included 27 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammunition, three locally made hand grenades, two handheld radios, one pair of NPF uniform, a fragmental jacket and charms,” he said.
The army spokesperson mentioned that Exercise GOLDEN DAWN III was recently launched in the South-East to enhance the security framework of the region throughout the yuletide season and beyond.
Major-General Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, urged the public to provide credible information in support of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
“The public should do this through the Emergency Telephone Line ‘193’ to enhance the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities.
“Citizens are also encouraged to go about their normal daily activities and businesses without fear of intimidation,” he added.