The Nigerian Army says troops of 82 Division dislodged IPOB and ESN militants in their hideout in Anambra.

Army spokesman Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement, said the clearance operation took place on Monday at Orsumoghu, Ihiala local government area.

Mr Nwachukwu said the notorious groups had launched many attacks on defenceless civilians and security targets from the hideout.

He said the troops were met with stiff resistance from the militants as they closed in on their enclave along the Imo-Anambra border communities.

“After overrunning their camp, the gallant troops carried out further exploitation and recovered a cache of arms, comprising 22 pump-action rifles, 19 Dane guns and six machetes,” the army statement disclosed. “Other items recovered include assorted mobile phones, sim cards, monitor and a laptop. One operational Hilux vehicle and various voodoo items and charms were also recovered.”

Mr Nwachukwu added that investigations had revealed that the hideout served as the operational base of Innocent Obieke (aka Double Lion).

He explained that Mr Obieke was the head of a vigilante group in the area but “surreptitiously coordinated the criminal activities of IPOB/ESN in the area.”

According to him, the suspect is currently on the run, while troops have intensified efforts to close in on him and his cohorts.

“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,” added the army statement.

(NAN)