Three killed as troops raid ‘IPOB hideouts’ in south-east

Troops of operation UDO KA II in the south-east have killed three suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Jonah Unuakhalu, acting deputy director of army public relations, said the suspects were killed during a clearance operation on suspected hideouts of the group in Orsumoghu forest in Ihiala LGA of Anambra, on Wednesday.

Unuakhalu said the suspects deployed improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to slow down the troops, but the soldiers “were undaunted”.

“The troops were able to dislodge the group; neutralised two of them, while others escaped with gunshot wounds,” he said.

“Items recovered from the camps included a pair of military boots, one military belt, five mobile phones, one binoculars, leather hand gloves and police head warmer.

“Others were one locally-made handheld IED and four locally-made IED launchers (Ogbunigwe).”

Unuakhalu added that troops of sector 2 of the same operation arrested a suspected gunrunner on Thursday while on a search-and-rescue mission at Effium in Ohaukwu LGA of Ebonyi state.

He said the suspected gunrunner, one Francis Nwekire, was arrested in his house with 48 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition.

“Additionally, a suspected Effium Militia in Ebonyi was arrested and he led troops to their hideout,” he said.

“Items recovered from the hideout were one AK 47 rifle, 20 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition and one AK 47 magazine.

“Both suspects are presently in troops’ custody for further interrogation.”

Unuakhalu also said on Friday, troops of naval base in Oguta flushed out IPOB/ESN members from Agwa community in Imo.

He added that during the operation, a known local gun fabricator nicknamed “Packing Store’’ was neutralised.

He said the items recovered during the operation included one pump-action rifle, one locally-made pistol and a head warmer with IPOB inscription.

“Operation UDO KA II calls on law-abiding citizens of the southeast not to relent in providing timely, credible and reliable information that will assist in ending this menace in the region,” he said.

“Operation UDO KA II will continue combating crime and criminality in accordance with extant rules and regulations guiding its operations.”