Troops of 82 Division Nigerian Army on Wednesday, 23 February, 2022 conducted operations to clear criminal havens, from where members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN) operate at Azia, Orsumoghu, Lilu Forest, Mbosi and Uli in Ihiala and Orsu Local Government Areas of Anambra and Imo States respectively.
During the clearance operations, troops overpowered and routed the dissidents, who staged an ambush against the gallant troops. The troops then proceeded to clear Lilu Forest, where they were met with resistance from the outlawed group. The suspects were again overrun by the troops who effectively cleared Lilu forest and the adjoining areas earlier occupied by the suspects.
During the clearance operations, the troops uncovered decomposing remains of kidnapped and murdered victims dumped in a deep well by members of the groups.
While conducting the operations, the troops encountered and cleared four ambush sites along roads Orsumoghu-Mbosi – Ihiala-Uli, dislodging the suspected criminls from their criminal havens.
The troops neutralized one of the criminals, arrested three suspects and recovered one pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, two mobile phones, one black coloured Toyota Hilux vehicle, a polythene bag containing substances suspected to be cannabis and the sum of N1, 920.
In a separate operation conducted today, 24 February 2022, troops of 82 Division Nigerian Army in collaboration with the Nigeria Police also dislodged an IPOB/ESN syndicate that disrupted the just concluded Local Government Council elections at some polling stations in Nkanu West of Enugu State.
During the intelligence-driven operation, carried out around Centenary Estate Obeagu Uno, troops uncovered 7 AK 47 rifles, 2 pump action rifles, 10 rifle magazines, 8 live cartridges, 74 live rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one hand grenade, a tipper truck containing 3 corpses among other items. The items have been handed over to Enugu State Police command for further action.
The Nigerian Army has reassured residents of the South East of its commitment to restoring lasting peace in the region.