The Nigerian Army says its troops have dismantled an alleged bomb-making facility and destroyed several camps during coordinated security operations in parts of Anambra and Imo States.
In a statement shared on its official Facebook page, the Army said the operation targeted suspected members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
According to the statement, the clearance exercise commenced on March 3, at locations including “Camp Gbadoanya” in Orsumoghu, a community in Ihiala.
The Army explained that the mission was conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, including the Nigerian Air Force, which provided air support.
“The coordinated operation is aimed at restoring lasting peace and security in the region”, the statement said.
It added that troops identified and destroyed several hideouts during the exercise, as well as an improvised explosive device (IED) fabrication site.
“During the operation, several insurgent camps were identified, thoroughly exploited, and destroyed”, the Army stated, noting that equipment used for producing explosive devices was recovered and neutralised.
Items reportedly seized include locally made firearms, ammunition components, welding and drilling machines, car batteries and other materials allegedly used in assembling explosives.
The Army also said it recovered flags associated with the group and replaced them with the Nigerian flag at the cleared sites.
“Troops destroyed the flags and hoisted the Nigerian flag in the camps”, it added.
IPOB, which campaigns for the creation of a separate state of Biafra from parts of Nigeria’s South-East and South-South regions, has previously been linked by authorities to violent incidents in the region. However, the group has consistently denied involvement in such attacks.
Security operations in the South-East are ongoing as authorities continue efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore stability in affected communities.
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