The Nigerian Army on Tuesday said that its troops dislodged members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Anambra.

The spokesperson for the army, Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement said that IPOB members were smoked out of their “notorious stronghold” located in Lilu forest, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra on Monday during a joint operation with other security agencies.

Lilu forest is located on the boundary between Imo and Anambra and has been used as an operational base by the proscribed group, according to the army. 

“The operation was jointly conducted by troops of 82 Division, Nigerian Army, 211 Quick Response Group of the Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police.

“It was a well co-ordinated dawn attack on the fortress, where plans were being perfected to violently enforce the illegitimate sit-at-home declaration by the irredentist groups”, the army spokesperson said.

Mr Nwachukwu noted that the troops recovered 10 Pump Action shotguns, two locally fabricated guns, one revolver pistol, rounds of 7.62 mm special, live cartridges, machetes, and IPOB flags.

Additionally, mobile phones, laptops, as well as other weapons were allegedly recovered during the operation.

(NAN)