During clearance operations in Anambra and Imo states, five soldiers and two policemen sustained various degrees of injuries when the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) detonated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

The operation, conducted by the troops of 82 Division Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and other security agencies, aimed to raid hideouts and training camps belonging to the IPOB/ESN in the Orsomoghu forest spanning both states….CONTINUE READING

Five fighters associated with the group were arrested during the operation.

The clearance operation was prompted by the violent activities of the group enforcing an illegal two-week sit-at-home order in several areas, including Onitsha, Nnewi, and Iheme Obosi in Anambra State, as well as New Market in Enugu State.

Brig-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the director of Army Public Relations, reported that the troops successfully cleared IPOB camps in Eke Ututu, Orsomoghu, Lilu, and Mother Valley.

However, during the confrontation with the group’s armed fighters, the assailants detonated IEDs (Ogbunigwe) and fired using locally fabricated mortar tubes.

Despite this, the security forces managed to overpower the group, causing them to retreat with gunshot wounds into nearby bushes.

Further cordon and search operations led to the arrest of five fleeing members of the group, and several items were recovered, including one IPOB flag, one CCTV camera, two detonated IED bombs, and a fabricated mortar tube.

Gen. Nwachukwu called on law-abiding citizens in the South East to continue supporting ongoing operations by providing actionable information and to disregard the unlawful two-week sit-at-home order, urging them to go about their normal daily activities and businesses.

He assured the people of South East Nigeria that the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with sister services and security agencies, will continue to protect and safeguard lives and property within the confines of the law and rules of engagement.