Nigerian Army troops, supported by other security agencies, have conducted raids on identified Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) camps in Umudi Forest and Umuaku areas of Umunneochi local government area, as well as Ihechiowa community in Arochukwu local government area of Abia State.
In a statement released on its official X handle, the Nigerian Army disclosed that the operations on Thursday were based on actionable intelligence. The troops encountered resistance at the first camp, resulting in a firefight where two terrorists were neutralized and others fled. Subsequently, the camp was destroyed, along with a shrine and another identified camp.
Several items were recovered during the operations, including weaponry such as one AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing 79 rounds of ammunition, as well as 15 Pump-action cartridges. Additionally, the troops seized communication equipment like three Baofeng radios, along with offensive tools such as daggers and strike face plates. Personal belongings such as phones, solar panel chargers, power banks, and military gear including desert boots and police accessories were also confiscated.
The recovered items further included identification cards, electronics, drugs, and symbolic paraphernalia associated with the IPOB, highlighting the extent of the camp’s operations and logistics.
The Nigerian Army emphasized that these raids mark a significant stride in dismantling the operational capabilities of IPOB/ESN in the region, reaffirming their commitment to restoring peace and safety to Abia State residents.
“The security forces are resolute in their mission to maintain peace and order, ensuring the protection of all law-abiding citizens,” the statement concluded.
