The Nigerian Army says its troops have uncovered and neutralised a major firearms and drone factory operated by armed fighters of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra in Delta.

Army spokesman Onyema Nwachukwu announced this in a statement on Tuesday.

Mr Nwachukwu said that six members of the IPOB militia arm, Eastern Security Network, were also apprehended during the operation at their factory located at Onicha Ulona in Aniocha South LGA.

He said the intelligence-led operation revealed that the dissidents were using the factory to carry out criminal activities to terrorise neighbouring communities and innocent citizens.

According to him, the troops were met with stiff resistance upon swooping on the illegal factory, but the armed fighters were overpowered in a fierce firefight.

“The gallant troops neutralised two of the fighters and recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition. Items captured by the troops include a wide range of IPOB/ESN firearms, ammunition, an improvised explosive device (IED) and a drone-manufacturing factory.

“Other items recovered are a variety of weapons, drones under construction, with prototypes, improvised explosive device materials, a fully equipped workshop, and several power generating sets.

“Troops also apprehended four male and two female fighters during the operation,” he said.

Mr Nwachukwu assured the public of the army’s commitment to dismantling terrorists’ and insurgents’ networks to mitigate security challenges in the nation.

He urged public members to continue supporting the army and other security agencies in their efforts to restore peace and stability in the country.

(NAN)