Nigerian Army on Monday said its troops uncovered locally made bombs, otherwise known as improvised explosive devices, IEDs planted on the Orlu-Owerri road by the the Eastern Security Network, the militant arm of IPOB.
Brigadier Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations announced the discovery in a statement on Monday.
He said the bombs were planted as booby traps to inflict harm on motorists and other road users.
According to him, troops on a reinforcement mission to Mgbidi/Awo Mmama area of Imo detected the bombs planted at about 15 meters apart on both sides of the road and safely defused them.
Nwachukwu added that the troops also recovered four wraps of unexploded ordinances, one motor cycle battery, two vehicle alarm devices, one detonator, wires and batteries on the road.
“The road has been safely cleared and motorists have resumed plying the road. We urge all law abiding citizens to go about their normal businesses and disregard the illegal sit at home order.
“We also appeal to the good people of Mgbidi, Awo Mmama and Omuma Communities to report any suspected movement of members of the irredentist group, who may be seeking a safe haven, to relevant security agencies.
Also in the statement, Nwachukwu said troops of Nigerian Army conducting Exercise GOLDEN DAWN Sector 3 thwarted an attempt by members of the outlawed IPOB/ESN) to unleash mayhem on residents of Mgbidi and Awo Mmamma communities in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo state.
“The group targeted terrorising the people for lawfully refusing to observe the illegal sit-at-home order foisted on them on Monday 6 November 2021.
“The swift response of troops compelled the attackers, mounted on two Sienna Buses and a Toyota Hilux truck to abandon their mission and withdrew in disarray.
“Troops are currently on the trail of the criminals,” he said.
