22 pump action guns, other weapons retrieved as Troops invade IPOB/ESN hideouts
22 pump action guns, other weapons retrieved as Troops invade IPOB/ESN hideouts
The Nigerian Army said its Troops of 82 Division has sacked the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) from their hideout in Orsumoghu, Ihiala local government area of Anambra State.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Monday.
He said the notorious groups have serially launched attacks on defenceless civilians and security targets from the hideout, which is along Anambra/Imo States border communities,
He said during the clearance operations along the border communities, the troops met stiff resistance from the IPOB members, but eventually overpowered and forced 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.
The Army spokesman listed other items recovered to include assorted mobile phones, SIM cards, monitor and a laptop, one operational Hilux vehicle and various voodoo items and charms.
Nwachukwu said further investigations revealed that the hideout served as the operational base of one Innocent Obieke (a.k.a Double Lion), who 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.
He stated that while the suspect is currently on the run, troops have intensified operations to close in on him and his cohorts.
