- By Femi Alabi
The Nigerian Army has destroyed a major firearms and drone manufacturing factory operated by Armed fighters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militia arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) at Onicha Ulona in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu on the official X handle of the Military noted that it was with diligent investigations and intelligence that the Army deployed before it could discover the arms factory.
He said the Army were able to overpower the Biafran fighters in a fierce battle and recovered substantial cache of arms and ammunition after 2 members of the Biafrans fighters were killed.
Nwachukwu revealed that officers of the Nigerian Army also arrested four males and two females IPOB/ESN fighters during the operation
“The intelligence led operation, revealed that the dissidents were using the factory to carryout criminal activities to terrorize neighbouring communities and innocent citizens. Upon swooping on the illegal factory, the troops were met with stiff resistance, but overpowered the Armed fighters in the fierce firefight that followed.
“The gallant troops neutralized two of the fighters and recovered substantial cache of arms and ammunition.
“Items captured by the troops include, a wide range of IPOB/ESN firearms, ammunition, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and a drone manufacturing factory.
“Other items recovered are a variety of weapons, drones under construction, with prototypes, Improvised Explosive Device materials, a fully equipped workshop, and several power generating sets.”.
The Nigerian Army however assured the public of troops’ unalloyed commitment to dismantling terrorists’ and insurgents’ networks in their effort to lessen security challenges in the nation.
Nwachukwu urged the public to continue to support the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, as they strive to restore peace and stability in the country.