The troops of Joint Task Force South-East Operation, code-named ‘Operation UDO KA II’, have conducted clearance operations on the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) affiliates hideouts in two council areas in Imo State.

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, the acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division of Nigerian Army, for the Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA II.

The clearance operations which took place simultaneously on Thursday, Unuakhalu said, were conducted on the Ihioma-Ihittenansa in Orsu Local Government Area and Okigwe-Umulolo in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.

Unuakhalu stated that the clearance operations were aimed at identifying and destroying possible camps of the fleeing IPOB members, who are killing and maiming as well as extorting innocent citizens of the South-East in the name of agitation.

He stated that during the simultaneous clearance operations at Umulolo, one of the troops’ vehicles was hit by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), noting that no causality was recorded.

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He added: “Troops also came in contact with the terrorists who fled into the nearby bushes with gunshot wounds due to superior firepower.

“Two suspects were arrested and items recovered at Umulolo included two locally-made guns, ammunition, one PKT machine gun barrel, one big locally made Rocket Propelled Launcher (Ogbunigwe), and IEDs making materials.

“Others included three CCTV cameras, two laptops and a charger, eight mobile phones, three boots, camouflage shorts, two motorcycles and a beret. Furthermore, three shrines used by the terrorists for fortification were destroyed.”

 

The army spokesman said in the clearance operations along Ihioma-Ihittenansa Road in Orsu Local Government Area, the troops also encountered IEDs, made close contact, and engaged in gun duels with some IPOB members around Eketutu Market.

Unuakhalu disclosed that the gunmen fled into the adjourning forests of Lilu and Mother Valleys with gunshot wounds on motorcycles.

He listed the items recovered by the troops to include two X CCTV cameras concealed at the highest point in the area and some IED making materials.

“Troops successfully cleared the terrorists from the Eketutu market,” he added.

The army spokesman noted that Operation UDO KA II would continue combating ritual killings, cannibalism, kidnapping for ransom, and extortion of hardworking and law-abiding citizens in the South-East.

“Law-abiding and good citizens of the South-East are enjoined to provide timely, credible and reliable information to end the insecurity in the region (Alaigbo),” Unuakhalu said.

The Star