The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with various security agencies, has reportedly neutralized an attempt by an alleged Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) expert affiliated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its security arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Orsu, Ihitteukwa, Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.
As detailed in a Facebook post by the Nigerian Army Headquarters, the operation unfolded on Thursday. Troops from the Nigerian army, Navy, Air Force, Nigerian Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security units were engaged in a clearance mission encompassing Udaah, Identa Ihitteukwa, and Awo Idemili in Orsu Local Government Area when they encountered the assailants.
According to the post, the criminal elements engaged the advancing troops by opening fire, hurling handheld IEDs, and launching locally manufactured rockets (Ogbunigwe) during the operation.
“While the troops advanced, several IEDs were detonated by the terrorists who fled in disarray. One of the dissidents was neutralized while connecting the explosive to its power source.
“Items recovered include locally made rocket launchers, defused IEDs, pipes, wires and other materials used in the production of explosives and locally made rocket launchers. The troops also covered several ditches used as obstacles on the roads linking the communities by the ESN elements.
“The Nigerian Army will continue to conduct its operations to deter the irredentist from freedom of action,” the statement added.
