The Nigerian Army on Monday said its troops of 82 Division, dislodged a criminal hideout used by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate; Eastern Security Network ( ESN) in Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, during clearance operations
According to Onyema Nwachukwu, Brigadier General, Director Army Public Relations in a statement on Monday, the notorious groups have serially launched attacks on defenceless civilians and security targets from the hideout.
He said troops were met with stiff resistance from the dissident elements, as they closed in on their enclave.
“They were overwhelmed by troops’ superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their hideout. After over-running their camp, the gallant troops carried out further exploitation and recovered a cache of arms, comprising 22 Pump Action rifles, 19 Dane guns and 6 machetes,” he said.
According to him, other items recovered include assorted mobile phones, sim cards, monitor and a laptop. One operational Hilux vehicle and various voodoo items and charms.
He said investigations revealed that the hideout served as the operational base of one Innocent Obieke (aka Double Lion), currently on the run, is said to be the head of the vigilante group in the area, but surreptitiously coordinates the criminal activities of IPOB/ESN in the area.
The statement appealed to members of the general public to continue to support troops and other security agencies with credible and timely information that will lead to the arrest of criminal elements in their vicinity.