Army destroys IPOB camp in Abia, clears bandits hideouts in Ondo

Troops of the Nigerian Army have dismantled a training camp belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra and its affiliate, the Eastern Security Network, in Abia State.

The NA disclosed this in a statement on X.com on Thursday.

The statement revealed that, in collaboration with Task Force Tactical Patrol Squad, the Army raided the camp located in Ihechiowa community, Arochukwu Local Government Area, during the early hours of Wednesday.

The statement partly read, “During the operation, troops successfully infiltrated and dismantled the camp, destroying all training apparatus and facilities found on-site.

“The raid marks a critical move in the ongoing efforts to curb acts of terrorism by IPOB and ESN, which have been linked to various security challenges and violence unleashed on innocent citizens as well as security operatives in the state.”

The raid was also said to have targeted buildings used as hideouts for key ESN commanders.

It added, “The raid operation was a sequel to heightening terrorists’ activities of IPOB/ESN, targeting law-abiding citizens and government agencies in Abia State and other parts of Southeastern Nigeria.”

In a separate operation, troops alongside other security forces were also reported to have cleared hideouts used by bandits and criminals in Ondo State.

The operation reportedly took place around Irele, Igbobini, and Segbemi Kiribo in the general area of Ese-Odo forest, Irele Local Government Area.

“During the clearance operations, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 rifle magazine, five locally fabricated single-barrel guns, and one locally made pistol. Other items recovered from the bandits include 18 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition and 24 live cartridges,” the statement added.

According Online reported on Sunday that troops of the Nigerian Army on Operation UDO KA conducted a raid on an IPOB camp located in Igboro Forest in Abia State on Saturday to  arrest the killers of five soldiers at Obikabia junction in Aba.

During the operation, the troops reportedly subdued the IPOB group in a firefight, killing six members of the group.