By Augustine Ehikioya
To scuttle further attacks on defenceless civilians and security targets in Anambra State, troops of 82 Division Nigerian Army (NA) on Monday swooped on and dislodged a criminal hideout used by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate; Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The troops achieved the feat while conducting clearance operations along Anambra/Imo States border communities on Monday.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
It said “The notorious groups have serially launched attacks on defenceless civilians and security targets from the hideout.
“During the clearance operations along the border communities, troops were met with stiff resistance from the dissident elements, as they closed in on their enclave.
“They were overwhelmed by troops’ superior firepower, forcing 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.
“Other items recovered include assorted mobile phones, simcards, monitor and a laptop. One operational Hilux vehicle and various voodoo items and charms were also recovered.”
The statement also disclosed that investigations have revealed that the “hideout served as the operational base of one Innocent Obieke (aka 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.”
The suspect, it said, is currently on the run, while troops have intensified operations to close in on him and his cohort.
The statement urged members of the general public to continue to support troops and other security agencies with credible and timely information that will lead to the arrest of criminal elements in their vicinity.