Security forces in Imo State, Nigeria, have neutralized 20 Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) fighters during a joint operation on March 7.
The mission, the second in Orsu Local Government this month and the third in the state, resulted in the destruction of 50 camps, including IPOB’s Supreme Headquarters, Command and Control Centre, and Military Council Headquarters.
Earlier operations on March 5 and March 2 saw the Nigerian Army and Navy eliminate five and one IPOB fighter, respectively, recovering various weapons and vehicles.
However, in a statement on Sunday, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba said the troops came in contact with many Improvised Devices planted by the fighters and ditches along the axis to the camps.
Buba added that the fighters’ hideouts were well concealed with foliage that prevented them from being sighted during air surveillance.
The statement read, “On March 7, 2024, the combined troops of Operation Udo Ka with Nigeria Police, Department of State Security Service, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps conducted a raid/clearance operations to the IPOB/ESN violent extremists/terrorists in Mother Valley, Orsu LGA of Imo State.
“The team cleared about 50 IPOB/ESN hideout tents in the valley including terrorists’ Supreme Headquarters and their Command and Control Centre as well as its Military Council Headquarters.
Troops also, cleared Buteuzor’s hideout/residence office, logistic base, temple, and shrine. The hideouts were well concealed with foliage that afforded the criminals cover from air surveillance to prevent monitoring and detection.
“The Valley had sufficient power supply for the camps. The terrorists hibernated there, reared animals, and also owned farms to be self-sustaining to live and fight. During the operations, troops also encountered several command IEDs and ditches along the axis of the camp.”
Buba stated that the ditches dug by the fighters were covered and the IEDs detonated.
He noted that in the fight that ensued after making contact with the fighters, 20 of them were killed and several weapons were recovered from them.
Buba also said shallow graves were spread across the IPOB fighters’ camps, accusing them of being involved in ritual killings.
