Troops have destroyed an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) factory in the Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo in an operation jointly carried out by the army, navy, air force, police and civil defence corps.

Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, the acting deputy director, 82 Division Army Public Relations, said this in a statement on Friday in Enugu.

He said the troops destroyed the hideouts of the terrorists despite encountering several IEDs.

The spokesman added that several camps of the Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network members along Umulolo-Umukele-Amousu and Agbobu in Imo were destroyed.

Mr Unuakhalu said the troops also cordoned off and searched several buildings used by the terrorists, where they discovered signs of occultism and cannibalism.

“The troops also destroyed the IED-making factory of the terrorist recovered rank badges of two policemen that were kidnapped along Enugu-Port Harcourt Road.

“Other items discovered include Biafra currencies, fake U.S. dollar bills, Biafran Liberation Army T-shirts, and other Biafran insignia.

“Military kit bags, cables used for IED detonation and axes,” he stated.

Mr Unuakhalu said axes, cables used for IED detonation and military kit bags were also recovered.

“Two suspects were arrested, and also burnt policemen corpses were discovered for proper burial,” he added.

Meanwhile, troops on night patrol have thwarted a kidnapping attempt by some suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists in Owerri.

The army spokesman said the troops engaged the criminals in a gun duel, forcing them to abandon the victim, one AK 47 rifle and magazine, a G-3 rifle with mounted magazines and a vehicle.

In another development, the general officer commanding (GOC) the division, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada has visited the Isiuzo-Amufu community in Enugu State to deepen civil-military relations and create a peaceful society.

“The GOC, who addressed the people of the Isiuzo-Amufu community at their village square, advised the community on the need to cooperate and assist the military to put an end to the insecurity of the community and the region at large.

“He assured the people of his commitment to end the herders and farmers clash and youth restiveness within the region,” said the army spokesman.

(NAN)