Troops conduct clearance operations in IPOB strongholds in Anambra, Imo
Troops of Operation EASTERN SANITY have sustained clearance operations against the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) within Anambra and Imo.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Spokesman of Operation EASTERN SANITY, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, on Friday in Enugu.
Ayeni said that the coordinated operations were aimed at restoring lasting peace and security in the region.
He said that on March 3, troops in conjunction with other security agencies and Nigerian Air Force continued the ongoing clearance operations at Camp Gbadoanya in Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra.
According to him, the joint force advanced to clear remnants of IPOB/ESN terrorists operating in the camp and its surrounding areas.
“During the operation, several insurgent camps were identified, thoroughly exploited, and destroyed.
“Items recovered included: pump action guns, locally-made dane guns, assorted rifle magazines, different rifle working parts, belts of ammunition and cutting machines.
“Others are: Biafran currencies, several IED making materials, Biafran Army Band and musical equipments among other items. A Biafran flag and a Biafran Army Headquarters flag were also recovered.
“Troops destroyed the flags and hoisted Nigerian flag in the camps,” he said.
The spokesman said that in continuation of the operations, on March 4, troops also destroyed several other camps within camp Gbadoanya and other adjoining camps in neighbouring communities within Imo.
He noted that troops also discovered and dismantled an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) fabrication site, which was carefully exploited and destroyed.
He said, “Several IED making items were recovered from the sites.
“These include, several welding machines, drilling machines and filling machines.
“Several car batteries, one electrode welding handle, 12 locally fabricated guns and rifle components, as well as other IED equipment.”