Troops dislodge stronghold of IPOB, ESN in Anambra

ONITSHA, Anambra – Troops of the Nigerian Army(NA) in a joint operations conducted with sister  agencies  on Monday   dislodged the stronghold of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra ( IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN) at Lilu Forest in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Lilu is a border town between Imo and Anambra States, which was  known to be one of the operational base of  IPOB/ESN.

In a statement issued by the Director Army Public Relations Brigadier General ONYEMA NWACHUKWU that was  made available to journalists in Awka , Anambra state capital on Tuesday said  the troops conducted early hours operations on Monday 17 January 2022, and  neutralized   some gunmen in their hideout after a gun battle.

According to him, 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. He said 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 said