By Milcah Tanimu
Troops of Joint Task Force South-East Operation, known as ‘Operation UDO KA II,’ have conducted clearance operations in the hideouts of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) affiliates in two council areas in Imo state, Nigeria.
The clearance operations, which occurred simultaneously in the Ihioma-Ihittenansa communities in Orsu Local Government Area and Okigwe-Umulolo communities in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo state, aimed to identify and destroy possible camps of fleeing IPOB/ESN terrorists involved in violence, extortion, and agitation in the South-East region.
During the operations, one of the troops’ vehicles was hit by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), but there were no casualties. Troops also encountered terrorists who fled into nearby bushes with gunshot wounds due to superior firepower.
Items recovered from the operation included two locally-made guns, ammunition, a PKT machine gun barrel, a locally-made Rocket Propelled Launcher (Ogbunigwe), materials for making IEDs, three CCTV cameras, two laptops, eight mobile phones, three pairs of boots, camouflage shorts, two motorcycles, and a beret. Additionally, three shrines used by the terrorists for fortification were destroyed.
In another engagement along Road Ihioma-Ihittenansa in Orsu LGA, troops encountered IEDs, engaged in gun duels with IPOB/ESN terrorists, and caused them to flee into nearby forests with gunshot wounds.
The operation reflects ongoing efforts by Nigerian security forces to address the activities of secessionist groups in the South-East region.
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