By Augustine Ehikioya
Following the war strategy of attacking as the best form of defence, troops of Joint Security Team on Monday raided a suspected Indigeneous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) hideout located in Mgbowo, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Apart from declaring sit-at-home order in the South East, the proscribed group has threatened to work against smooth running of next Saturday’s Anambra State Gubernatorial elections.
During the raid on the suspected hideout, two ring leaders of IPOB/ ESN were also arrested on Monday night.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Deputy Director Public Relations, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Major Abubakar Abdullahi, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
It reads “Troops of Joint Security Team have raided a suspected Indigeneous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) hideout located in Mgbowo, Awgu Local Government Area on 1 November, 2021.
“During the night operation, two ring leaders of IPOB/ ESN were arrested. The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation with a security agency.
“It should be noted that, contrary to IPOB/ESN propaganda video, there was no incident of indiscriminate firing or unprovoked burning of houses during the raid.
“The joint operation in Agwu was conducted in the night and there was no destruction of any private property involved,” it said.
The statement added “The trending videos in circulation claiming to represent the aftermath of the night operation is not portraying the Agwu operation. It is meant to whip up sentiment and incite the public against the Army.”
It disclosed that investigation into the video was ongoing to ascertain when and where it was shot and those involved.
The statement declared that any personnel found culpable would be sanctioned accordingly.
“Updates will be communicated when investigation is completed,” the statement said.
It also advised members of the public to disregard “such propaganda materials intended to mislead the public.”
“We shall continue to support other security agencies in line with our constitutional mandate in a professional manner. Any act of unprofessional conduct among our troops will not be tolerated,” the statement concluded.