Mr Arthur-Ugwa said only a coordinated response would effectively address the persistent security challenges across different regions of the country.
Troops from the 82 Division Garrison and Sector 1 of Operation UDO KA in conjunction with operatives of the State Security Service carried out the operation.
It said the troops targeted enclaves of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.
“IPOB sympathisers manipulated the blurred metadata and circulated altered versions online, falsely suggesting the images originated from Lagos and Oyo states,” said the army.
“Just this Monday, February 16, at my local government area, I was told that a chemist was warned by gunmen to stay clear on Mondays,” Mr Okereke said.
The army said “criminal elements masquerading as freedom fighters have been instilling fear and undermining the livelihoods of hard-working citizens”.
Mr Soludo noted that the traders’ absence was not just a quiet rebellion but one that spoke volumes about the lingering climate of apprehension.
“For instance, where it was claimed that Nnamdi Kanu called for mutiny, I cannot vouch for the authenticity of that,” said Mr Otti.
Ms Anyanwu’s case is one of alleged police brutality and extrajudicial killings. She eventually lost the pregnancy while her father died in custody, five days after his arrest.
Mr Ikenga said the suspect was assisting the police to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and possibly recovering additional firearms.
