In a clearance operation conducted in the early hours of Democracy Day, Wednesday, June 12, 2024, troops of the Nigerian Army in conjunction with a Task Force Tactical Patrol Squad conducted a raid on a training camp of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) located in Ihechiowa community of Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State.
During the operation, troops were said to have successfully infiltrated and dismantled the camp, destroying all training apparatus and facilities found on-site.
Army Headquarters said the raid marks a critical move in the ongoing efforts to curb acts of terrorism by IPOB and ESN, which have been linked to various security challenges and violence unleashed on innocent citizens as well as security operatives in the state.
According to army spokesman, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, in addition to the destruction of the training camp, the troops also targeted buildings used as hideouts for key ESN Commanders. The operation was executed with precision and yielded significant intelligence.
“The raid operation was sequel to heightening terrorists’ activities of IPOB/ESN, targeting law-abiding citizens and government agencies in Abia State and other parts of Southeastern Nigeria.
“Further updates on the operation will be communicated as the troops continue with the operations.
“In a separate operation, troops of the Nigerian Army in conjunction with other security agencies have successfully cleared bandits and criminals’ hideouts around Irele, Igbobini and Segbemi Kiribo in the general area of Ese – Odo forest in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo state.
“During the clearance operations, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 rifle magazine, 5 locally fabricated single barrel guns, and one locally made pistol. Other items recovered from the bandits include 18 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition and 24 live Cartridges.” General Nwachukwu said.