The army noted that the security operatives while conducting joint operations raided the camps located on Monday while on Exercise Golden Dawn II.
The Nigerian Army has confirmed that its troops of 82 Division, Enugu State, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services invaded Amagu village and Nkalaha, an Ebonyi State community and raided camps allegedly occupied by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network.
The army noted that the security operatives while conducting joint operations raided the camps located on Monday while on Exercise Golden Dawn II.
SaharaReporters had exclusively reported on Tuesday that residents of Nkalaha community in Ishielu local government fled from the community less than a week to yuletide after an invasion by troops of Nigerian Army.
The troops sacked residents of the community and looted properties and small businesses.
SaharaReporters had also reported that Nkalaha is a neighbouring community to the war-torn Ebor, Umujiovu and Mgbuji communities in Eha-Amufu Isi-Uzo local government area of Enugu State.
Some of the residents of Eha-Amufu communities over the vicious killings and destructions of their communities by armed herdsmen had gone to Nkalaha.
SaharaReporters had reported that on Monday, December 12, 2022, hundreds of troops of Nigerian Army invaded Obeagu community in same Ishielu local government area of Ebonyi State.
Meanwhile, a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said during the raid operations.
He said, “The troops came in contact with members of the dissident group, resulting in exchange of fire. In the encounter, the gallant troops neutralised some of the irredentists, while others took to their heels abandoning the camp.
“On winning the firefight, troops recovered 102 rounds of 7.62mm special, 2 Pump Action guns, 5 locally made rifles, 1 roll of detonator 27, quantity 24 detonators, 33 electrical cables, quantity 12 of type 36 Hand Grenades and 12 bags of substances suspected to be Marijuana. Other items recovered include, 3 Motorcycles, 2 Generators, 1 Water pumping machine, Military woodland camouflage and Nigeria Police uniform.
“In a separate operation on the same date, troops on routine patrol in Agubeji community in Enugu state have arrested a suspect, one Mr Martins Abogwu, for conniving with IPOB/ESN elements to unleash attacks on innocent citizens.
“The suspect, who claimed he is the Chief Security Officer of the community, is assisting in the preliminary investigations that followed and has led troops to their camp, where a shallow grave containing two decomposing bodies were uncovered. One of the corpses has been identified as a member of the local vigilante, who was kidnapped about a month ago.
“The Nigerian Army reassures law abiding citizens of its unwavering resolve, in synergy with other services and security agencies to deny criminal elements the freedom of action and progressively rid the nation of identified threats to national security by executing its constitutional responsibilities in conformity with extant rules of engagement.
“The NA also encourages members of the public to work harmoniously with the security agencies to collectively make the South East and the entire nation secured and peaceful.”