By Augustine Ehikioya
To check the activities of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN), a joint operation led by the Nigerian Army (NA) have dislodged a notorious stronghold of the groups at Lilu Forest in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The Nigerian Army had embarked on joint operations with other security agencies in the State.
Lilu is a border town between Imo and Anambra States, which was hitherto known to be used as an operational base of the dissidents.
A statement issued on Tuesday by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), said that the operations, “which was conducted in the early hours of Monday 17 January, 2022, led to the neutralization of some gunmen in a fire fight that ensued.
“After dislodging the dissidents from their fortress, the dogged troops recovered 10 Pump Action Shotguns, two locally fabricated guns, One Revolver pistol, rounds of 7.62 mm special live cartridges, machettes and IPOB flags.
“Other items recovered are mobile phones, laptops amongst other dangerous weapons.
“The operation was jointly conducted by troops of 82 Division, Nigerian Navy, 211 Quick Response Group of the Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force.
“It was a well coordinated dawn attack on the fortress, where plans were been perfected to violently enforce the illegitimate sit-at-home declaration by the irredentist groups,” it stated.