Troops raid IPOB/ESN camps, neutralise 2 commanders, recover arms in Imo, Abia

By Chinelo Ude

The troops of the Joint Task Force South-East, code-named “Operation UDO KA”, in conjunction with other security agencies have raided camps of the Indigenous People of Biafara (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Imo and Abia states.

The troops neutralised two IPOB/ESN commanders, recovered arms and ammunition as they raided camps of the irredentist group in some communities in Imo and Abia states.

This is contained in a statement on Monday in Enugu issued on Operation UDO KA social media platform.

The statement noted that the raids were in continuation of its clearance operations to deter the activities of the IPOB and its armed affiliate the ESN within the South-East as well as its general and neighbouring areas.

It noted that troops, on July 20, 2024 raided and cleared IPOB/ESN Camps at Ezioha-Eziama Village in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.

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The statement said that the joint troops, which comprised personnel of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Police, Department of State Service and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, raided the IPOB/ESN camps.

It noted that the troops confronted and raided the camp of notorious IPOB/ESN Commander, Lucio Agu (aka B44) in the forested valley between Umuaka, Ezioha and Awomama communities where the terrorists made contact with troops.

“During the firefight troops neutralised two IPOB/ESN Commanders known as Asari and Mazi; while others fled with different degrees of gunshot wounds.

“During the encounter, items recovered included; two AK 47 rifles with three magazines, quantity of 102 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, CCTV Cameras and assorted charms,” it said.

In the same vein, troops of Sector 3 of Operation UDO KA also destroyed IPOB/ESN Camp at Ezere Forest between Umuawa and Aku settlements that span Okigwe and Ummuneochi Local Government Areas of Imo and Abia States.

The statement said that during the encounter, and due to superior fire power, the irredentist fled the camp into the nearby bushes with gunshot wounds.

According to the statement, items recovered included: one General Purpose Machine (GPM) gun and assorted rounds of ammunition, four motorcycles and four radios.

It said: “Operation UDO KA is calling and appealing to the good people of South-East to continue to cooperate with security agencies by giving credible and timely information that will help to annihilate the criminals in the region.

“Please note that any relevant information should be passed to Operation UDO KA by dialing 193 and press Option 2’ on your phone.

“The Joint Task Force South East, code-named Operation UDO KA will continue to carry out its constitutional roles of safeguarding lives and property in line with global best practice as laid down in the rules of engagement guiding its operations.”