Soldiers raid IPOB camps in Anambra, arrest nine

On Sunday, soldiers from the Nigerian Army conducted raids on camps belonging to the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra in the state of Anambra. As part of the ‘clearance operations,’ the soldiers recovered weapons and apprehended nine individuals suspected of being criminals.

In a statement released on Monday, the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, explained that one of those individuals who were captured during the operations was an IPOB fighter, while the other eight were brigands.

He stated that troops, with assistance from vigilantes, had destroyed known IPOB hideouts and recovered a number of weapons.

“In the ongoing clearance operations to ensure peace and security in South-East Nigeria, troops of the 302 Regiment, operating under the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army in conjunction with the Anambra Vigilante Group, have destroyed camps belonging to fighters of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network. These camps were located in Oroma and Umuewelum Anam in the Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State.

“On Sunday, July 23, 2023, the troops conducted raids on the identified camps in an effort to put a stop to illegal activities being carried out by fighters in the communities.

During the course of the operation, the soldiers found and confiscated two motorcycles, three Lexus SUVs, one AK-47 rifle, and one AKMS rifle. During the operation, the soldiers managed to capture a total of eight bandits.

“In a separate operation, troops raided the IPOB camp at Mmiata Anam in the Anambra South local government area. When the valiant troops came into contact with the separatist organisation, one of the IPOB fighters was killed, while another was taken alive into custody. Additionally, one AK-47 rifle, one handgun, and police uniforms were located and recovered by the troops.