Troops attack the IPOB camp in search of “something.”

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has an enclave in Imo State, which was the target of a recent operation by the Nigerian Army, which has revealed details of what it found.

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NewsReport gathered that a statement released by the Defence Headquarters stated that soldiers from various theatres of operations across the country were cracking down on nefarious activities of terrorists and other criminal elements in the last two weeks when they found anti-poll posters at a hideout of IPOB members.

According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami, posters seen at shrines of the secessionists had the inscription ‘No Election’.

Naija News reports that the 2023 general election commences on February 25th with Presidential, and members of the Senate and House of Representatives polls.

The troop’s discovery, however, suggests the agitators are against the conduct of elections in the South-East.

Speaking during a briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Danmadami said over 77 terrorists were killed while a total of 340 terrorists and members of their families surrendered to the military between January 26 and February 9.

He disclosed that the IPOB/Eastern Security Network (ESN) hideout where the anti-poll posters were seen was located in the Ordu Local Government Area of Imo.

According to him, after a gun duel, the military destroyed IPOB shrines and recovered one AK-47 rifle during the operation.

Danmadami said, “On January 28, 2023, troops responded to credible information on Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network terrorist activities at County Primary School Amaruru in the Ordu Local Government Area of Imo State and made contact with the terrorists. Following the firefight, troops neutralised one terrorist and destroyed ten motorcycles.

“Troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle and destroyed the terrorists’ shrines, including posters with an inscription of ‘No Election’.”

He added: “Cumulatively, during the period under review, troops in the North-East region recovered two GPMG, one AK-47, 13 Dane guns, three AK-47 magazines, one bandolier, 316 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm PKT ammo, 37 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one 36-hand grenade, 77 rounds of belted 7.62mm NATO ammo, one belted 18 x 7.62mm x 51mm ball ammo, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, two jack knives, 11 bicycles, one vehicle, one motorcycle, 20 wraps of cannabis, the sum of N77,260, as well as a vehicle loaded with food and other items.

“Troops equally neutralised 56 terrorists, arrested 17 terrorists, and seized nine Boko Haram terrorist logistics suppliers. Troops also rescued 59 civilians, while a total of 340 terrorists and members of their families, comprising 12 adult males, 133 adult females and 195 children, surrendered to troops at different locations in the North East theatre of operation.”

Terrorists Killed In the North Central
Giving further details of the operations, Danmadami said the troops neutralised at least five terrorists and arrested ten and a gunrunner in the region.

He added that while some terrorists fled, the troops recovered 36 cows, ten motorcycles, three mobile phones, two knives, and eight empty cases of 7.62mm special ammunition.

He stated that in the North-West region, troops neutralised 16 terrorists and arrested seven suspected terrorists, adding that a total of 12 AK-47 rifles, 16 locally-made pistols, one FN rifle, 48 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 12 rounds of 9mm ammo, 11 cartridges, eight empty cases of 7.62mm special ammunition, 27 AK-47 magazines, 10 motorcycles, ten mobile phones, one Boafeng radio, one vehicle, three MTN SIM cards, one National Identification Number card, and one driver’s licence were recovered.

Danmadami noted that all recovered items, apprehended criminals, and rescued civilians were handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action, while captured terrorists, surrendered Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province members, and members of their families are being profiled for further action.

He also said troops with the Defence Intelligence Agency team raided Yelwata village in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State and arrested a suspected gun runner. A mobile phone and a Benue State Livestock Guard identity card were recovered from the suspect.