Troops raid ‘IPOB’ hideout, apprehend suspect, recover AK-47 rifles

The arrest was made during a clearance operation in Delta State by army and secret police.

Troops from 63 Bde Garrison, under the command of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division, and operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) destroyed an enclave believed to be that of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its security wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Asaba, Delta State’s capital, on Saturday.

“The troops conducted a raid operation on the fortified enclave located in the middle of a forested High ground in the early hours of the day,” Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations, said in a statement.

He claimed that the military overcame the “IPOB” members in the exchange of fire that ensued, forcing them to quit their shelter in disarray.

“The troops apprehended one of the fleeing fighters and recovered five AK-47 rifles, three Pump Action Semi Automatic rifles, one G3 rifle, and one single barrel gun.”

“Other items recovered include live cartridges, an electric saw, machetes, an axe, and an IPOB flag.”

“The troops have destroyed the enclave and are exploiting the forest in pursuit of the fleeing fighters,” the statement continued.

According to an Army spokeswoman, the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, has complimented troops and other security agencies for their efforts in the ongoing operations and has entrusted them with maintaining the pace to restore calm in the region.