By Bayero Ade
Troops of the Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, have dismantled camps operated by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Imo, Enugu, and Ebonyi states.
In a statement issued in Umuahia on Sunday, the task force’s spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, confirmed the operations, which involved the Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The troops raided a camp at Uhuala-Aku in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State on Friday, forcing IPOB members to flee into the surrounding forest. The raid led to the recovery of weapons, including a G3 rifle, two pump-action rifles, three dane guns, a locally fabricated pistol, two AK-47 magazines, and ammunition. Other items recovered included a Toyota Hilux vehicle, six radio chargers, 12 car keys, a Boafeng radio, and a sack containing a human skull. The troops destroyed 26 makeshift shelters in the camp.
On Saturday, the task force stormed another IPOB/ESN camp in the Okposi community of Ohaozara Local Government Area, Ebonyi State. Two suspects were arrested, and the troops recovered two locally fabricated pistols, nine live cartridges, and a motorcycle.
In Enugu State, troops targeted a camp in Agu Orba, Ekwegbe community, Nsukka Local Government Area. The operation resulted in the recovery of two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), a single-barrel gun, 12 incomplete rifles, two revolver pistols, 10 pistols under construction, 335 rounds of ammunition, and other items, including military boots and raincoats, IPOB/ESN flags, and food supplies. The camp was also destroyed.
Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, commander of the joint task force, called on residents of the South-East to embrace peace and dialogue to foster stability in the region. He urged citizens to report any suspicious activities to the task force through its toll-free line.
The operations form part of ongoing efforts to combat insurgency and maintain security across the region.
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