The Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and Civil Defence Corps, in a joint operation, have dismantled an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) factory in the Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.
The acting deputy director, of 82 Division Army Public Relations, Jonah Unuakhalu, reported that despite encountering several IEDs, the troops successfully destroyed the terrorists’ hideouts.
The operation also targeted several camps belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) members along two communities in the state.
The military, during building searches, discovered signs of occultism and cannibalism in structures used by the terrorists.
Items recovered included rank badges of two kidnapped policemen, Biafra currencies, fake US dollar bills, Biafran Liberation Army T-shirts, and other insignia.
They also found military kit bags, cables used for IED detonation, and axes, and arrested two suspects. Burnt corpses of policemen were discovered for proper burial.
In a separate incident, troops on night patrol thwarted a kidnapping attempt by suspected IPOB terrorists in Owerri.
However, a gun duel ensued, forcing the criminals to abandon the victim, along with an AK-47 rifle, a G-3 rifle with mounted magazines, and a vehicle.
The general officer commanding the division, Hassan Dada, visited the Isiuzo-Amufu community in Enugu state to strengthen civil-military relations and promote a peaceful society.
While addressing the community, he emphasized the importance of cooperation to end insecurity, herders and farmers clashes, and youth restiveness in the region.
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