Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Some gunmen believed to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra ( IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN) have been killed during a raid on their stronghold by troops of the Nigerian Army.
Army spokesperson, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu said in a press release that the joint operations conducted with other security agencies was conducted at Lilu Forest in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Lilu is a border town between Imo and Anambra States, which was hitherto known to be used as an operational base of the dissidents.
According to Nwachukwu, “The operations, which was conducted in the early hours of Monday 17 January 2022, led to the neutralization of some gunmen in a fire fight that ensued.
“After dislodging the dissidents from their fortress, the dogged troops recovered 10 Pump Action Shotguns, two locally fabricated guns, One Revolver pistol, rounds of 7.62 mm special, live cartridges, machettes and IPOB flags. Other items recovered are mobile phones, laptops amongst other dangerous weapons.
“The operation was jointly conducted by troops of 82 Division, Nigerian Navy, 211 Quick Response Group of the Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police.
“It was a well coordinated dawn attack on the fortress, where plans were been perfected to violently enforce the illegitimate sit-at-home declaration by the irredentist groups,” he added.
