By Kamil Opeyemi
Troops of the Nigerian Army, on Sunday, raided camps of the Indigenous People of Biafra in Anambra State, arresting nine suspected hoodlums and recovering weapons during the ‘clearance operations.’
The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Monday, explained that one of those captured during the operations was an IPOB fighter while eight were brigands.
He said troops, aided by vigilantes, destroyed identified IPOB hideouts and recovered several weapons.
“In the ongoing clearance operations to ensure peace and security in South-East Nigeria, troops of 302 Regiment, operating under 82 Division of the Nigerian Army in conjunction with Anambra Vigilante Group, have destroyed camps belonging to fighters of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network in Oroma and Umuewelum Anam in the Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State.
“The troops raided the identified camps on Sunday, July 23, 2023, to curb fighter illicit activities in the communities.
“During the raid operation, the troops recovered one AK-47 Rifle, one AKMS rifle, three Lexus SUVs, and two motorcycles. The troops also arrested eight brigands during the operation.
“In a separate operation, troops also raided the IPOB camp at Mmiata Anam in Anambra South. The gallant troops came into contact with the irredentist group and neutralised one IPOB fighter, while another was captured alive. The troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle, one gun, and police uniforms,” he added