By Promise Eze 

The Nigerian Army says its troops have dismantled identified strongholds of Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) elements and recovered weapons and improvised explosive device (IED)-making materials in Ogbaru LGA of Anambra state.

In a statement on Saturday, the army said the operation was conducted in conjunction with its maritime component, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Anambra vigilante group.

It said the troops launched a dawn offensive on identified strongholds in the Obene and Abator villages within Ochuche and Umunankwo communities.

“On sighting the advancing troops, the terrorists opened fire before abandoning their positions and fleeing into the surrounding terrain,” the statement reads.

“Troops responded with superior firepower and immediately pursued the fleeing elements.

“Blood stains observed along their withdrawal route indicated that some of the terrorists sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter.

“During the pursuit, troops neutralised one of the terrorists, while other fleeing members escaped with the corpse of another neutralised member.

“The coordinated assault effectively dislodged the group from its strongholds, denying its members the freedom to operate or use the locations as bases for further attacks.”

The army said a thorough exploitation of the strongholds led to the recovery of two pump-action guns, two motorcycles, IED-making materials and other sundry items.

It said the seizure of the explosive-making materials represented a significant operational gain, as it would further degrade the group’s capacity to fabricate explosive devices for attacks against security forces, critical infrastructure and civilians.

The army said following the operation, troops consolidated their positions and intensified the exploitation of surrounding areas to track fleeing members of the group and prevent them from regrouping elsewhere.

“The Nigerian Army in conjunction with other security agencies through Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, remains committed to sustaining pressure on terrorist and criminal networks across the South East,” the army said.

“Ongoing operations will continue to deny these elements safe havens, degrade their capabilities and create a more secure environment for law-abiding citizens and communities across the region.”

Source: TheCable