The Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA (OPUK) launched on Sunday, February 11, has made progress in clearing and combating terrorism in Imo and Anambra State over the past three weeks.
Combined troops from the Nigerian Army (NA), Navy (NN), and Air Force (NAF), along with personnel from the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), have cleared and liberated ORSU, EKE-UTUTU, TANGO ONE ORSUMORGHU, IHITEUKWA IHITTENANSA, and LILU from terrorism.
In a recent development, on Thursday, March 7, the JTF OPUK troops destroyed the notorious Supreme Headquarters of the terrorist group’s Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate Eastern Security Network (ESN).
This headquarters, located in the Mother Valley spanning Orsu and Ihiala LGAs of Imo and Anambra States, respectively, was a stronghold for IPOB/ESN and served as their command and control center and military council headquarters.
The raid operation encountered fierce resistance, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and various obstacles, which were neutralized by the determined troops.
Despite encountering the terrorists, the troops demonstrated superior firepower, resulting in the neutralization of many assailants while others fled with gunshot wounds.
Meanwhile, residents of Imo and Anambra States are urged to report any suspicious individuals in their communities to OPUK by dialing Emergency Line 193 and pressing 2.
Numerous weapons, equipment, IEDs, and stolen vehicles have been recovered over the past three weeks, with additional items seized in the Mother Valley operation.
These include various firearms, ammunition, explosives, electronic devices, communication equipment, and documents associated with terrorist activities.
Furthermore, the joint troops destroyed 50 tents in the Valley, which housed the Supreme Headquarters, command and control center, hideouts, offices, logistics bases, and shrines used for occultic practices.
Major General Hassan Taiwo Dada, the Force Commander of Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, commended the cooperation of sister services and other security agencies in achieving these successes.
He urged leaders of liberated communities to facilitate the return of residents and prevent the resurgence of criminal elements.
“The JTF OPUK will continue to provide security support within the confines of the law.
“Law-abiding citizens are encouraged to provide timely and actionable information through the OPUK Emergency Line 193, pressing Option 2, to contribute to the peace and development of the South East geopolitical zone”, he said.
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