Troops of 82 Division Nigerian Army (NA) have dislodged a criminal hideout used by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network ( ESN), in Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The troops were conducting clearance operations along Anambra/Imo States border communities on Monday.

According to the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the troops were met with stiff resistance from the dissident elements as they closed in on their enclave. However, the troops’ superior firepower forced them to abandon their hideout.

They recovered 22 Pump Action rifles, 19 Dane guns, and six machetes. Other items recovered include assorted mobile phones, sim cards, a monitor, a laptop, one operational Hilux vehicle, and various voodoo items and charms.

“Investigations revealed that the hideout served as the operational base of one Innocent Obieke (aka Double Lion), who is said to be the head of the vigilante group in the area, but surreptitiously coordinates the criminal activities of IPOB/ESN in the area. The suspect is currently on the run, while troops have intensified operations to close in on him and his cohort.

“Members of the general public are enjoined to continue to support troops and other security agencies with credible and timely information that will lead to the arrest of criminal elements in their vicinity,” he added.

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